Cucumbers shipped to 14 states including Illinois are being recalled by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Florida, due to potential salmonella contamination.
The Food and Drug Administration has announced on their website the recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons between May 17th and May 21st and sent 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 recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 – 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long, authorities said.
Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall, officials said.
The recall was announced after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture informed the company a product sample tested positive for the bacteria.
Salmonella symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, salmonella can result in severe illness.
It can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, with weakened immune systems.
Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
Anyone with the recalled product 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 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.