Cucumbers recalled in 14 states due to salmonella risk

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — A Florida-based produce company is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states over salmonella concerns.

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., of Delray Beach, said in a press release Saturday that the affected product was shipped from May 17 though May 21 directly to wholesalers and distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The cucumbers in question are about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and between 5 and 9 inches long. The recall excludes mini cucumbers and English cucumbers, however. 

According to the release, the recall was initiated because the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture told the produce company that a product sample tested positive for salmonella, which can cause fatal infections in young children and the elderly. 

“The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation,” the recall posted on the FDA’s website stated.

The company notes that although it’s unlikely these cucumbers are in the marketplace, consumers with the recalled product should destroy it or return it for a refund. 

The notice didn’t specify which retailers may have sold the recalled cucumbers.

The FDA’s website only shows one active salmonella outbreak investigation without a cause identified. That outbreak of salmonella Africana has sickened 141 people, according to the agency.