1,590 cartons of whole cucumbers possibly contaminated with Salmonella and distributed to nine states in the USA have been recalled by L&M Companies, Inc., according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The company and the FDA stress that so far no illnesses linked to cucumber consumption have been reported.

Wholesalers in the following states received cartons with possibly contaminated cucumbers from L&M Companies between 30th March and April 7th:

  • Florida – 591 cartons
  • Illinois – 139 cartons
  • Indiana – 30 cartons
  • Mississippi – 420 cartons
  • Nebraska – 92 cartons
  • New York – 200 cartons
  • Tennessee – 15 cartons
  • Texas – 2 cartons
  • Wyoming – 101 cartons

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause diarrheal illness in humans. It is a group of bacteria that can cause typhoid fever, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, enteric fever and other illnesses. In the majority of cases, humans become infected through contaminated foods or water, especially meat, eggs and poultry. Salmonellosis means a salmonella infection. Salmonellosis can cause complications in young children, elderly individuals and patients with weakened immune systems, even fatal complications.

A healthy individual with salmonellosis may have:

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomachache

The organism can get into the person’s bloodstream, causing severe complications, such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

Although the risk of infection is small, L&M Companies says it is issuing this recall as a precaution. The company warns that some wholesalers may already have distributed the cucumbers on, possibly to other states.

L&M Companies says that businesses which still have the recalled product should remove and destroy it immediately. They are marked as “Nature’s Delight”, with lot number PL-RID-002990 printed on the side of the carton. Consumers who have the recalled product should not eat it and should contact the shop they bought it from to confirm whether it is included in this recall.

After the FDA had carried out an inspection of a random sample of cucumbers in a cooler at Four Seasons Produce of Central Florida, Inc. on 13th April, traces of bacteria were found. The FDA adds that the company is cooperating fully.

L&M Companies invites consumers and businesses to call the following number in case of any enquiries – 919-981-8003, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. During the Easter holiday weekend (22-24 April) you can leave a message.

Source: FDA

Written by Christian Nordqvist