Did Durham Receive Tainted Cucumbers?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a recall notice about cucumbers shipped to North Carolina and other states by Florida’s Fresh Start Produce Sales. Here’s what South Durham residents need to know:
Q: What is the recall about Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. cucumbers?
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17 through May 21, 2024, due to potential contamination with salmonella. This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, infection can lead to more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Q: Which states received the recalled cucumbers?
The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons 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.
Q: What do the recalled cucumbers look like?
The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5 to 9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.
Q: What prompted the recall?
The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company that a product sample tested positive for salmonella. The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.
Q: What should consumers do if they have the recalled cucumbers?
Consumers should not consume the recalled cucumbers and should destroy and discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. They should check with their retailer or place of purchase to determine whether the recalled cucumbers were sold there.
Q: How can consumers get more information?
Consumers with additional questions may contact Fresh Start Produce Sales at 1-888-364-2993, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.
Fresh Start Produce Sales has notified customers who received the recalled product directly and requested its removal from commerce. They have also asked direct customers to notify their customers of this recall.
Southpoint Access is a free community news website run as a service to our neighbors in South Durham. Please consider supporting us as a subscriber on Patreon or donate to underwrite the cost of covering the news that matters to you in neighborhoods like Woodcroft, Parkwood, Fairfield, and Hope Valley Farms.
