Cucumber Recall News – According the to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego, California has issued a recall for all of its cucumbers sold under the “Limited Edition” label because the product may be contaminated with the bacterial pathogen Salmonella Poona.
The FDA, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local officials are also investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Poona food poisoning linked to “slicer” (also referred to as “American”) cucumbers that were supplied by Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce and grown in Baja, Mexico. According to the CDC, 285 cases of Salmonella Poona have been reported to date in 27 states.
Cucumber Recall Information
The recalled “Limited Edition” label cucumbers were distributed in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah to retailers, food service companies, wholesalers, and brokers. The recalled cucumbers were sold from August 1, 2015 through September 3, 2015.
The cucumbers were shipped in black, green, yellow, and craft colored cartons which read “Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumbers.” This variety is often referred to as a “Slicer” or “American” cucumber. It has a dark green color, and typically has a length of 7 to 10 inches and a diameter of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. In retail stores it may be sold in bulk display without any individual packaging or plastic wrapping.
Information for Consumers – Consumers are urged not to eat cucumbers from Andrews and Williamson Fresh Produce. Because the cucumbers may not be labeled, consumers should ask their retailer or restaurant what company supplied their cucumbers. Consumers can also check the Andrew and Williamson website for a list of vendors and retailers.
The FDA provided the following advice to restaurants and retailers –
“Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell cucumbers supplied by Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce and should ask their suppliers what company supplied their cucumbers.
Restaurants and retailers should follow the steps below:
- Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where potentially contaminated products were stored.
- Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to prepare, serve, or store potentially contaminated products.
- Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
- Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.
- Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.”
Salmonella Food Poisoning
The FDA provided the following information to the public regarding Salmonella food poisoning and the bacterium Salmonella Poona:
“What are the Symptoms of Salmonella?
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. It is important to note that this outbreak is caused by Salmonella Poona.
How Soon do Symptoms Appear After Exposure?
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
What are the Complications of Salmonella Infections?
In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
Who is at Risk?
Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate in all other people. Children younger than 5 years of age, the elderly, and those people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections. It is estimated that approximately 400 persons in the United States die each year with acute salmonellosis.”
Contact the Law Firm of Eric Weinberg for a Free Cucumber Lawsuit Evaluation
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with salmonellosis, are awaiting laboratory test results, or have a question regarding a cucumber lawsuit, you can request a free legal case evaluation by calling our toll free number, 1-877-934-6274. You can also contact our attorneys by submitting the easy-to-use Food Poisoning Lawsuit Evaluation Form found on this page.
