The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Overwaitea Food Group are recalling more cucumbers for possible Salmonella contamination. There is no outbreak in Canada, but there is a large multi-state outbreak in the U.S. linked to cucumbers imported from Mexico that has sickened almost 300 people. Strangely, there is more information about where the cucumbers were sold from Canadian food agencies than there is from the FDA.
This recall is for fresh field cucumbers, sold in bulk bins, unwrapped, with PLU number 4062. They were sold from Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea, and Freson Brothers on or before September 4, 2015. The cucumbers were sold in Alberta and British Columbia.
If you purchased these cucumbers, do not eat them. Discard in a sealed or double bagged container, or return to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the cucumbers, and clean your refrigerator and/or countertops where the cucumbers might have been.
The recall was triggered by a U.S. recall by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego, California, and may be associated with an outbreak in the United States. The cucumbers are long, dark green, and about 2″ in diameter.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea, that may be bloody, nausea, abdominal cramps, headache, vomiting, and a mild fever. Long term complications can include irritable bowel syndrome, chronic arthritis, and heart problems.
Foods that are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria do not look, smell, or taste spoiled. Never eat foods that have been recalled for bacterial or viral contamination.
In the U.S. outbreak, people began getting sick from cucumbers on July 3, 2015. The outbreak was not announced to the public until September 4, 2015, just before the Labor Day holiday weekend. Several restaurants, including Red Lobster, also served these cucumbers to customers, mainly in vegetable salads.
