Silver Spring, Maryland – Cucumbers shipped to the U.S. and Canada, along with organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores across five southern U.S. states, have been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the cucumber outbreak has affected 68 individuals, including 18 who required hospitalization, across 19 states. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths linked to the outbreak. The agency suspects that produce grown in Sonora, Mexico, by Agrotato S.A. may be the source of the contamination.
Following the outbreak, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a recall tied to the incident. SunFed Produce, based in Arizona, recalled cucumbers sold between October 12 and November 26 after being informed by the FDA of associated illnesses reported between October 12 and November 15. Consumers who purchased cucumbers during this time frame are advised to check with the store of purchase to determine if the product is part of the recall.
In addition to the cucumber recall, nearly 11,000 cartons of 24-count organic eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand were recalled. These eggs, which were distributed to stores in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee starting November 22, were found to be potentially contaminated. Handsome Brook Farms, the company responsible for the eggs, indicated that the affected cartons were not intended for retail distribution. Consumers are urged to check for Julian code 327 printed on the side of the carton with a use-by date of January 5, 2025. If included in the recall, individuals should discard the eggs or return them to the store for a refund.
Individuals who have purchased either of the recalled food products should take precautionary measures by washing items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated foods using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. It is important to note that salmonella can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing within six hours to six days after ingestion. While most people recover without treatment within a week, young children, individuals over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious illness. Earlier this summer, a separate salmonella outbreak originating from cucumbers affected 450 individuals in the U.S.