Salmonella concerns prompt a recall of party trays across seven states.
At a Glance
- A salmonella outbreak was linked to cucumbers, leading to recalls.
- F&S Fresh Foods recalled Mediterranean Inspired Party Trays.
- Contaminated cucumbers from Mexico caused the outbreak.
- No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.
Salmonella Outbreak Details
A concerning Salmonella outbreak originating from contaminated cucumbers is leading to a significant recall, notably affecting the distribution of “Mediterranean Inspired Party Trays” in seven states. The trays, featuring Grecian Delight Tzatziki sauce linked to Sunfed Produce’s cucumbers, were sold by F&S Fresh Foods at multiple supermarkets, including Ralphs and Smith’s. This recall further emphasizes the need for vigilance in monitoring fresh produce safety.
The recall affects several states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Consumers have been advised to safely dispose of potentially contaminated products and sanitize any surfaces that might have come in contact with them. Authorities stress the importance of not consuming the recalled items to mitigate the disease’s spread.
Salmonella Outbreak Update: More cucumbers and foods made with them have been recalled. Check your home for recalled cucumbers and foods like sushi, salads, wraps, and veggie trays with cucumbers. Do not eat them. https://t.co/zMWGNQIZne pic.twitter.com/Vxi6UoScu0
— FoodSafety.gov (@foodsafetygov) December 5, 2024
Extent of the Outbreak
The contaminated cucumbers involved were traced back to Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico. At least 19 states have reported 68 cases of salmonella, leading to 18 hospitalizations. While no fatalities have occurred, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are leading ongoing investigations to assess the situation’s severity and prevent further escalation.
F&S Foods emphasized that no illnesses have been reported in conjunction with the Mediterranean Inspired Party Tray recall, maintaining a proactive stance on preventing potential health risks. But they caution that the severity of salmonella symptoms varies, posing significant risks to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Here are the last 5 products recalled by the FDA:
Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kit: Recalled on December 6, 2024, due to cucumbers in the kit being linked to a Salmonella outbreak.
F&S Fresh Foods Mediterranean Inspired Party Tray: Recalled on December 6, 2024, because of… https://t.co/fZv4BPBk0h
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) December 7, 2024
Steps Moving Forward
In light of this recall, collaboration between federal health agencies and state partners is crucial to decide if additional recalls are necessary. Consumers should remain vigilant by verifying the origins of their cucumbers and related products and inquire with sellers if the source is unclear. Efforts such as these are essential to safeguard public health and restore consumer confidence in affected products.
As recalls expand and more brands potentially become involved, industry leaders and consumers alike must prioritize food safety, avoiding recalled products and reporting suspicions of contaminated goods to health authorities. Such measures are critical in containing this outbreak while preventing similar incidents in the future.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/cucumbers-11-24/index.html
- https://www.usatoday.com/recalls/food-and-drug/FDA-Mg7ZYBtOkx8/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/salmonella-sunfed-cucumbers-recall-symptoms/
- https://www.newsweek.com/party-tray-recall-sparks-warning-7-states-1997079
