Fresh Start Produce Sales recalls whole cucumbers due to potential Salmonella contamination
Product photos courtesy of FDA.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice, June 1, 2024
On May 31, 2024, Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. of Delray, Florida, recalled whole cucumbers shipped to several states from May 17 through May 21, 2024, as they could potentially be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameer, and 5 to 9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.
Salmminella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria. The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.
Anyone with the recalled product should not consume it; they should destroy and discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers should check with their retailer or place of purchase to determine whether the recalled cucumbers were sold where they shop.
Consumers with questions should contact the company at 1-888-364-2993, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. EDT.
Fresh Start Produce Sales has notified customers who received the recalled product and requested that they remove it from commerce; they also asked their direct customers to notify their customers of this recall.