Major recalls of cucumbers and carrots have been issued due to potential bacterial contamination, affecting consumers across the United States and Canada.
At a Glance
- SunFed Produce and Baloian Farms recall cucumbers due to salmonella risk
- Cucumber recall linked to 68 illnesses across 19 states
- Grimmway Farms recalls organic carrots due to E. coli outbreak
- Carrot recall results in 48 illnesses, 20 hospitalizations, and one death
- Consumers advised to discard affected products and check with retailers for refunds
Cucumber Recall: Salmonella Concerns
A widespread recall of cucumbers has been issued due to potential salmonella contamination, affecting major retailers across the United States and Canada. The recall, initiated by SunFed Produce and Baloian Farms, comes after tests linked the cucumbers to a salmonella outbreak that has affected 68 people and hospitalized 18 across 19 states.
The contaminated cucumbers were sold at prominent retailers including Albertsons, Costco, Wegmans, and Walmart. SunFed’s cucumbers may be labeled with “SunFed Mexico,” while Baloian Farms’ cucumbers were sold in packages of six under the name PamPak, with a UPC code of 8 2540107010 6.
“Cucumbers sold at Costco, Walmart, and other stores have been recalled due to a possible link to a salmonella outbreak,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
Carrots, cucumbers and eggs; latest on e.coli, salmonella recalls https://t.co/LnKYrmNWdP
— NorthJersey.com (@northjersey) November 30, 2024
Health Risks and Symptoms
Salmonella poses a higher risk to older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. While most healthy individuals recover within a week without treatment, the FDA advises consumers to check and discard any whole cucumbers, especially those at higher risk of infection.
“SunFed initiated the recall after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration informed it the cucumbers were linked to salmonella-related illnesses between Oct. 12, 2024, and Nov. 15, 2024,” SunFed Produce stated.
Consumers with questions about the cucumber recall can contact SunFed at 888-542-5849 and Baloian at 888-840-6642.
Carrot Recall: E. Coli Outbreak
In a separate but equally concerning development, Grimmway Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of organic whole and baby carrots due to an E. coli O121:H19 outbreak. The recall, which began on November 16, 2024, and expanded on November 21, 2024, has had significant consequences.
“According to CDC, as of December 18, 2024, this outbreak is over,” the CDC reported. However, the impact was substantial, with 48 illnesses reported across 19 states, resulting in 20 hospitalizations and one death.
The recalled carrot products were distributed nationwide and internationally to Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, and the UAE. They were sold under various labels, including Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, and Good & Gather. Additional recalls were conducted by companies using or repackaging the recalled carrots.
Ongoing Investigation and Consumer Advice
While environmental samples from Grimmway Farms tested positive for E. coli, it was not the specific strain causing the outbreak. The FDA is working closely with the company to implement corrective and preventive actions.
“FDA is working with Grimmway Farms on corrective and preventive actions,” the FDA stated.
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled cucumber or carrot products are advised to return them to the place of purchase or discard them immediately. Those experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and report any adverse events to the relevant authorities.
