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A San Diego-based company recalled all its cucumbers after health officials found that they were contaminated with salmonella. So far, the bacteria sickened 285 people and killed one and are now reported in 27 U.S. states.
The distributor of the cucumbers Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce announced today that it would take its Limited Edition-branded pole grown cucumbers off the shelves. The company imported the vegetables from Mexico.
Official investigators reported that salmonella outbreak may be linked to the cucumbers imported by the company between July 3 and August 27, so people should be extra careful and do not consume the cucumbers if they still have them in their homes. So, far hundreds of people got sick, while a San Diego 99-year-old woman died due to complications.
About 50 percent of the sick people were kids or adolescents. Health officials explained that the elderly, children, and pregnant women are the highest risk groups. The distributor announced that it would collaborate with investigators to see if the cucumbers are to blame for the recent salmonella outbreak. The recall was taken as a precautionary measure, the company noted.
Dave Murray a spokesperson for the company said that the health of customers was a top priority to the business. Murray added that he trusts the produce of the company he is working for enough to bring it home to his family. He added that the San Diego company has invested millions of dollars just to make sure that its products are safe.
Washington officials reported that there are nine confirmed cases of Salmonella in the state, while Oregon said that it has three confirmed cases. Idaho’s public health agency reported eight cases, of which one needed hospitalization but his condition is now stable. But in Idaho there are six more unconfirmed cases health officials are investigating.
Hopefully, none of the nine Washington residents who caught the food-borne illness needed a visit to the hospital. Arizona was badly hit with 66 confirmed cases which investigators believe that they are tied to cucumbers. Nearly 75 percent of patients were children. Of these some went to a hospital, but they are out of the harms way and no death was recorded.
Arizona’s State Department of Health Services reported that 49 of 66 cases were reported in Maricopa County. Apache, Pima, Yuma, Pinal and Coconino were also affected.
Cucumber-linked salmonella outbreak is relatively rare. Usually salmonella is tied to red meat, poultry, milk, and eggs.
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