Cucumbers distributed across the United States and Canada have been recalled due to salmonella contamination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent notice on Thanksgiving Day (November 28), advising consumers to avoid SunFed brand bulk American cucumbers, which were officially recalled the previous day.
The affected cucumbers, sold between October 12 and November 26, were packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled “SunFed,” as well as in generic white boxes and black plastic crates with stickers marked “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.,” identifying the grower.
The recall impacts consumers in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
In Canada, the affected provinces include Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
The FDA’s notice stated: “Anyone with the recalled product in their possession should not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products.”
Consumers are urged to dispose of the cucumbers, destroy them, or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. The notice also advises cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated produce to prevent cross-contamination.
SunFed president Craig Slate confirmed the recall was initiated after the FDA linked the cucumbers to an unspecified number of illnesses, reported between October 12 and November 15.
“As soon as we learned of this issue, we immediately acted to protect consumers. We are working closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to determine the possible cause,” Slate said.
He added: “Here at SunFed, food safety and consumer health and wellness have been our priorities for more than 30 years. We require all of our growers to strictly comply with FDA food safety requirements.”
Although the exact number and locations of illnesses remain unclear, consumers should be warned that salmonella is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.
According to the FDA, consuming contaminated food can lead to salmonellosis — an infection that manifests within six hours to six days after consumption. Symptoms typically include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever lasting four to seven days. Severe cases, which can be life-threatening, are more likely in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Those who feel unwell after consuming recalled cucumbers are advised to contact their healthcare provider. Additional questions can be directed to SunFed at 888-542-5849, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
The Independent has reached out to SunFed and the USDA for comment.
