The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an update on the ongoing salmonella outbreaks affecting more than 380 people across the United States. While the agency still believes cucumbers may be the source of the infections, they have ruled out the previously suspected cucumbers recalled by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., a Florida distributor based in Delray.
Fresh Start Produce Sales Recall Not Linked to Current Outbreaks
Genome sequencing conducted by the FDA did identify salmonella in cucumbers from Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. However, the strain found, Salmonella Bareilly, does not match the strains responsible for the current outbreaks. The company had voluntarily recalled its cucumbers after samples tested positive for salmonella in tests conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Two Ongoing Salmonella Outbreaks
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently investigating two separate salmonella outbreaks:
- A Salmonella africana outbreak that has infected 196 people in 29 states and the District of Columbia
- A Salmonella braenderup outbreak that has affected 185 people in 24 states
While hospitalizations have occurred, no deaths have been reported concerning these outbreaks. The FDA notes that the two outbreaks share several similarities, including the timing and locations of illnesses and the demographics of those affected. Investigators are working to determine if the outbreaks are linked to the same source, which could still be cucumbers.
Cucumbers Remain a Possible Source
Despite ruling out the Fresh Start cucumbers, the FDA still considers cucumbers a potential source of the infections. Of the 85 people interviewed in the Salmonella africana outbreak, 63 (74%) reported consuming cucumbers. Food safety lawyer Bill Marler cautions that consumers should not assume cucumbers testing positive for a different strain are not causing illnesses, stating, “It could just mean that the product, where it was grown was contaminated.”
Challenges in Identifying the Source
The presence of multiple outbreaks and strains simultaneously is unusual and may complicate efforts to identify the source. Marler explains, “The simple way is to see where the product tests positive and where ill people test positive and connect them. With a produce outbreak, there’s never any product to test, so many times it just means a couple of hundred people said they had cucumbers and they trace it back.”
Details of the Fresh Start Produce Sales Recall
The recalled cucumbers from Fresh Start Produce Sales were sold in 14 states between May 17 and May 21, 2024. They were described as whole, dark green cucumbers, approximately 1.5 – 2.0 inches in diameter and 5-9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers were not included in the recall. The FDA stated that the grower likely responsible for the contaminated cucumbers is no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season.
Geographic Spread of Salmonella Africana Outbreak
The CDC has reported cases of the Salmonella africana outbreak in 28 states and the District of Columbia, with the highest number of cases in Pennsylvania (29), New York (23), and Florida (22). However, the CDC warns that the outbreak may not be limited to these states, and the true number of infected individuals is likely much higher due to unreported cases.
Lack of Information on Affected Retailers
As of now, the FDA has not released information on which retailers may have sold the potentially contaminated cucumbers. Marler expressed surprise at this lack of data, suggesting it might be due to the short shelf life of the product, leading the FDA to assume the cucumbers were no longer on the market.
Understanding Salmonella
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, lasting from four days to a week. While most cases resolve on their own, some individuals may require hospitalization. The CDC estimates that salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States annually, with food being the primary source of these illnesses.
Recommendations for Consumers
If you have recently purchased cucumbers, it is advisable to check with the store where you bought them to determine if they were part of the recall. If you are unsure, it’s best not to consume them. The CDC recommends washing any surfaces that may have come into contact with potentially contaminated cucumbers using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, prolonged diarrhea, bloody stools, excessive vomiting, or signs of dehydration. As investigations continue, consumers are urged to stay informed about updates from the FDA and CDC regarding these salmonella outbreaks.