A range of recalled cucumbers have been assigned a Class I risk level by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On May 23, whole Cucumbers produced by Fresh Start Produce Sales were recalled due to salmonella contamination.
Class I
The recall has now been elevated to the highest risk level, Class I, which is issued when there is a “reasonable probability” that a product’s use or exposure could “cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The affected cucumbers were distributed from May 17 to May 21. They are identified by the lot number BG0813804 and have an expiration date of May 27.
Salmonella Risk
After a product sample tested positive for the bacteria, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture discovered the contamination with salmonella, one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States.
The recalled cucumbers are dark green in variety, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in width, and 5 to 9 inches long.
FDA Notice
In its independent recall notice, the FDA explained: “Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.”
Just four states are impacted by the Class I risk characterization: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, and New Jersey.
State Recalls
The product was also shipped to Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, according to the FDA’s initial announcement.
In a statement given on June 12, the organization said: “We take food safety seriously and source from growers who share that commitment. We are pleased that the Fresh Start cucumber samples are not linked to the current salmonella outbreaks.”
Fresh Start Statement
The statement continued: “However, we are continuing our internal investigation into why a non-outbreak strain of salmonella was found in product from one supplier and how to prevent it in the future. The recalled product is beyond shelf life and is no longer available for sale in stores.”
Any individual who might have bought the item is encouraged not to consume it and “should destroy and discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.”
Food Poisoning
One of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States, salmonella infects more than 1 million people annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Normal side effects include stomach cramping, diarrhea, migraines, and fever, which can show up within a window of six hours to six days following exposure.
Those in Danger
These infections are unpleasant, but they tend to be mild and most people recover in a few days.
While most contaminations don’t represent a huge risk, children under a year old, more than 65 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously sick.
Extreme Cases
In uncommon occurrences, salmonella can enter the bloodstream, prompting severe conditions — like blood vessel contaminations, endocarditis, and arthritis — that require medical intervention.
So far 68 people have been hospitalized with salmonella infections following the suspected outbreak from the contaminated cucumbers
CDC Advice
In regard to the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted guidelines for those concerned about the affected cucumbers.
According to them: “Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.”
FDA Recalls
This comes as several other recalls have been issued of late including a voluntary issue for TryBrewed Coffee Concentrate.
The 3,852 bottles in 321 cases were distributed throughout the U.S. via Amazon as they contained “no ingredient statement and no nutrition label.”
Multistate Outbreak
The current outbreak taking place across multiple states which is under investigation is known as salmonella Africana.
As of June 12, the CDC has reported that 196 people have been infected across 28 states as well as the District of Columbia.
The ongoing concern over salmonella contamination has now reached a new level with the increase in risk level.
