US(CA): Cucumber recall after salmonella outbreak

Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego made a voluntary recall Friday of “Limited Edition” brand cucumbers, which are produced in Mexico.

According to her lawsuit, which was filed by Marler Clark on her behalf, the produce company has the responsibility in ensuring that the cucumbers they sell are safe to eat.

“Since we were first notified of this situation by health officials, A&W has been cooperating with the government agencies involved in investigating the ongoing Salmonella poona outbreak and have been working non-stop in response to determine if, and how, our cucumbers are involved in the outbreak”, according to the September 7 statement sent by company partner Dave Murray. The state said it has identified 66 cases in six counties as of this week.

Cucumbers imported from Mexico are being linked to a deadly salmonella outbreak affecting 27 states.

Rohem Pimenteo, a manager at San Antonio’s Start Produce, said he’s concerned for consumers because there’s no label or sticker in order to tell which brand of cucumber they’re buying. Most infected people recover within a week. In all, the cucumbers shipped to 22 states, 18 of which have reported infections.

Andrew & Williamson has recalled the “slicer” or “American” cucumber varieties that are believed to have been tainted, and Red Lobster has temporarily stopped serving cucumbers nationwide.

One death has been reported from California, and 53 people have reported being hospitalized. CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.

The distributor announced that it would collaborate with investigators to see if the cucumbers are to blame for the recent salmonella outbreak. Murray said the company is only producing cucumbers from one Baja California field and packing shed so it has immediately ceased that cucumber operations.

Symptoms of salmonella infections can include fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea, with the symptoms appearing between 12 to 72 hours after consuming a product contaminated with the bacteria. Over 200 persons are sickened in the United States due to outbreak and more than 50% of them are children, as per CDC. Overall, 285 people around the country have been confirmed with salmonella, and half of those affected are under 18.