Red Alert – Nationwide Recall of Highly Toxic Popular Produce

product recall

Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican cucumbers sickens dozens across 19 states, prompting urgent recalls and health warnings.

At a Glance

  • 68 people infected with Salmonella across 19 states, 18 hospitalized
  • Outbreak traced to cucumbers from Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico
  • Multiple recalls issued by SunFed Produce, Baloian Farms, and Russ Davis Wholesale
  • Consumers urged to discard affected cucumbers and related products
  • CDC and FDA investigating the outbreak and its source

Widespread Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Mexican Cucumbers

A significant salmonella outbreak has emerged, affecting at least 68 individuals across 19 states and resulting in 18 hospitalizations. Federal health officials have traced the source to cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico. The contaminated produce was distributed by several companies, including SunFed Produce, Baloian Farms, and Russ Davis Wholesale, spanning 26 states from Alaska to New York.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments, is actively investigating the outbreak. The agencies have identified six illness sub-clusters at various locations, including assisted living facilities, school districts, and a restaurant, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of the contamination.

Recall Information and Consumer Warnings

In response to the outbreak, SunFed has recalled all sizes of their “whole fresh American cucumbers” sold between October 12 and November 26. The FDA has provided specific packaging details to help consumers identify potentially contaminated products. Cucumbers may have a sticker reading “SunFed Mexico” or be packaged in clear PamPak branded bags with the UPC code 8 2540107010 6.

“Federal officials are urging people not to eat recalled cucumbers, as well as salads and wraps that could contain the product, amid an investigation into an outbreak of salmonella that has sickened at least 68 people in 19 U.S. states and sent 18 to the hospital.” – Food and Drug Administration

Consumers who have purchased these cucumbers or related products are strongly advised to discard them immediately and thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated items. The recall also affects various ready-to-eat salads and wraps distributed by Russ Davis Wholesale under the Crazy Fresh and Quick & Easy brands.

Industry Response and Ongoing Investigation

SunFed Produce has taken swift action in response to the outbreak. Craig Slate, President of SunFed, stated that the company “immediately acted to protect consumers” upon learning of the potential contamination. Slate further explained, “We are working closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to determine the possible cause” of the outbreak.

“FDA is working with SunFed Produce, LLC and their direct customers to determine if additional downstream customer recalls are necessary” – FDA

The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the full extent of the contamination and are working to prevent further spread of the outbreak. While no deaths have been reported, the agencies emphasize the importance of adhering to recall notices and proper food handling practices to minimize the risk of salmonella infection.

As the investigation unfolds, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about updates from health officials and to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming cucumbers and related products. The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for vigilance in our increasingly global food supply chain.

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