Bree-Anna Burick Jun 4, 2024 2 min read

Cucumber Recall Issued in 14 States Due to Salmonella

If you've grown cucumbers in your garden this spring, you've likely saved your money, a trip to the grocery store, and possibly even salmonella.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a cucumber recall that had been potentially contaminated with salmonella. These cucumbers were shipped and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida over 14 states between May 17th-May 21st.

Salmonella in Vegetables

When you think of produce safety, you may think of washing off harmful chemicals off your fruits and vegetables before eating them. While this may be true, according to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, produce safety means, "protecting fresh fruits and vegetables from becoming contaminated with pathogens that can get people sick."

That includes pathogens such as salmonella bacteria.

Salmonella is responsible for more than one million infections annually in the U.S. This particular pathogen has been linked to foodborne illnesses in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Farmers and anyone who handles livestock have to be especially careful to help prevent the spread of salmonella. Living in the intensines of animals, salmonella bacteria can be spread when your hands or clothing, the soil, tools, or anything else that comes in contact with feces touches food.

Symptoms of Salmonella

Salmonella is a fairly common bacterical disease that affects the intenstinal tract. While some people experience no symptoms, many will develop symptoms within eight to 72 hours and can last between four to seven days. However young children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of salmonella can include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Stomach cramps

  • Fever over 102°

  • Nausea and/or vomiting

  • Chills

  • Headache

  • Bloody stool

States Affected By Cucumber Recall

While the FDA is testing products to see any connection with the cucumbers and current outbreaks, they still recommend checking with your retailer to see if they sell from Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida.

Potentially affected cucumbers were sent to the following states:

  • Alabama

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • Illinois

  • Maryland

  • North Carolina

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • Ohio

  • Pennsylvania

  • South Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • Virginia

  • West Virginia

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