Produce company recalls cucumbers due to salmonella concerns

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Fresh Start Produce Sales is recalling whole cucumbers due to concerns of potential salmonella contamination.

The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising consumers that the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections potentially linked to cucumbers.

The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17 through May 21 to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors across the country, including the Northeast.

RIDOH said the recall resulted from a positive salmonella sample that was collected and tested by state partners in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

162 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 25 states as of June 4 based on epidemiological information collected by the CDC.

Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers, according to officials.

RIDOH’s Center for Food Protection and the State Health Laboratories collected and tested cucumbers in response to the Rhode Island illnesses.

All samples have tested negative for salmonella, per officials, who added that the recalled cucumbers were not distributed directly to Rhode Island.

RIDOH advised anyone with the recalled product not to consume it and to discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

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