Cucumber recall expanded by FDA after salmonella outbreak in 15 states, including Alabama
The Food and Drug Administration has expanded a cucumber recall to include more products sold at popular grocery chains such as Walmart and Albertson’s.
Last week, Florida-based Bedner Growers announced a recall of cucumbers after reports of salmonella contamination in 15 states, including Alabama. The outbreak has been linked to more than two dozen illnesses, including nine hospitalizations.
The cucumbers were sold individually or in smaller packages but many did not have a product names or best-by date. They were distributed to restaurants, wholesalers, retailers and distribution centers.
The cucumbers were distributed in Alabama. California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Cucumber products recalled
This week, Walmart and Albertson’s announced recalls of products containing the cucumbers.
Walmart has recalled fresh-cut cucumber slices sold under the Marketside brand. Albertsons recalled its Ready to Eat and Star Market Greek Salads and, in a separate safety update, Kroger warned customers not to eat any cucumbers from Bedner Growers that were purchased between May 14 and May 21.
You can see a complete list of recalled items here.
What should you do if you bought cucumbers?
The CDC suggests customers who are unsure of where their cucumbers are from to throw them away. Wash and sanitize any potentially contaminated surfaces where cucumbers were placed using hot, soapy water.
Symptoms of salmonella typically appear within 12-72 hours of eating contaminated food and usually last for 4-7 days. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections with symptoms including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.