The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Safeway are recalling field cucumbers and in-store produced foods that contain cucumbers that were imported from Mexico. Safeway is a customer of Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego, California that is recalling cucumbers linked to a large Salmonella outbreak in the U.S.
While there are no reports of Salmonella infections in Canada, there is a large outbreak in the U.S. At least 285 people in 27 states are sick with Salmonella linked to these cucumbers.
The Canadian recall applies to fresh field cucumbers sold in bulk, unwrapped and various in-store produced products that contain cucumbers, such as Greek salad, vegetable trays, sushi, and sandwiches purchased from Safeway on or before September 6, 2015. If you aren’t sure if you have purchased any foods containing these cucumbers, contact the store.
The recalled items are Field cucumbers (bulk, unwrapped), with PLU number 4062. In addition, various in-store produced foods such as salads and sushi, are recalled. They have various UPC numbers and were sold on or before September 6, 2015.
If you purchased any of these items, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed or double bagged container or return to the place of purchase for a refund.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea that may be bloody, headache, fever, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. If you ate cucumbers and have experienced these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.
The long term complications of a Salmonella infection can be serious, including reactive arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Even if you recover without medical attention, you are at risk for developing these problems. Your doctor should have this infection noted on your chart.
The cucumbers may not be safe even if they are washed or peeled. Cooking will kill the pathogenic bacteria, but cross-contamination between the raw cucumbers or the peel with other foods could still cause illness. And remember to clean your refrigerator, utensils, and countertops with soap and water or a mild bleach solution to kill any bacteria.
The hospitalization rate in the U.S. outbreak is larger than normal. That may be because the bacteria are antibiotic-resistant or it may be because so many of the patients are children.
