18 Hospitalized in Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak

According to Newsweek , A Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers has affected 68 people across 19 U.S. states, with 18 individuals hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No deaths have been reported thus far.

The source of the outbreak has been traced to cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, and sold by SunFed Produce, LLC. These cucumbers were distributed to stores in 26 states and several Canadian provinces. The CDC’s investigation found that cucumbers from this batch may be contaminated with Salmonella and have been making people sick.

The affected cucumbers were sold between October 12 and November 26, 2024, and have been recalled in response to the outbreak. The recall covers all sizes of cucumbers sold under the SunFed brand and includes states such as Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Virginia, among others.

The states most affected by the outbreak are Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Massachusetts, with cases also reported in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and several other states.

According to the CDC, symptoms of Salmonella infection typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days of exposure and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and dehydration. Most cases resolve on their own in 4-7 days, but the infection can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and other parts of the body, requiring hospitalization.

The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have urged consumers who purchased cucumbers between October 12 and November 26 to discard any unidentifiable cucumbers and avoid consumption. They also recommend cleaning any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers.

SunFed Produce has responded swiftly to the issue, with President Craig Slate assuring the public that the company is working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the contamination. “Food safety and consumer health and wellness have been our priorities for more than 30 years,” Slate said.

Consumers with concerns or questions about the recall are advised to contact SunFed Produce directly for more information.