The Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating a nationwide Salmonella outbreak potentially linked to cucumbers, leading to 54 hospitalizations. Data suggests that contaminated cucumbers may be responsible for 162 illnesses within the outbreak, although no fatalities have been reported as of now. The majority of those affected are non-Hispanic white females, according to FDA data.
Fresh Start Produce, the cucumber producer under investigation, has confirmed that the implicated produce is no longer available for purchase. They have reassured consumers that the cucumbers currently on sale in grocery stores are not part of the recall initiated on Monday. The company expressed commitment to consumer safety and stated that they are eagerly awaiting the results of the FDA’s investigation into the outbreak.
A cucumber collected during the investigation tested positive for Salmonella, prompting the Monday recall and further testing to determine if it matches the strain making people sick. The potentially affected cucumbers were distributed in 14 states by Fresh Start, with the FDA suggesting the possibility of wholesalers shipping them to additional states. Cases related to the outbreak have been reported in a total of 25 states and the District of Columbia.
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also looking into a separate outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infections with 158 cases in 23 states, which may be connected to the current investigation. The FDA noted similarities between the two outbreaks in terms of the location and timing of illnesses, as well as the demographics of those affected. Further investigation and collaboration between health authorities are ongoing to determine the root causes of both outbreaks.