Florida company recalls cucumbers over salmonella concerns

A Florida-based produce company is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states in mid-May because of potential salmonella contamination.

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray is recalling cucumbers shipped in bulk cartons from May 17-21 directly 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.

The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed Fresh Start Produce Sales that a product sample tested positive for the bacteria, according to a company announcement published May 31 on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter and 5 to 9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall, according to the announcement.

The FDA is conducting whole genome sequencing to determine if this sample is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak investigation.

Fresh Start Produce Sales has notified customers who received the cucumbers directly from the company and requested that they remove the products from commerce.

It is unlikely that the cucumbers are in the marketplace, according to the announcement. Anyone with the recalled product should not consume it and should destroy, discard or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers with additional questions may contact the company at 1-888-364-2993.