Cucumbers have been recalled in more than a dozen states over fears of contamination with potentially deadly bacteria.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Saturday that Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. had recalled cucumbers shipped to 14 states from May 17 to 21 due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in people with weakened immune systems, including young children and the elderly.
The affected cucumbers were shipped to distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not believed to be affected, the FDA shared.
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., a Florida-based company, has recalled cucumbers in 14 states due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The recall was initiated after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture discovered that a sample of the product had tested positive for Salmonella.
The FDA is now working to determine whether the sample is related to an “ongoing investigation into a Salmonella outbreak,” according to the statement.
The bacteria lives in the intestinal tract of animals and is usually transmitted to humans through fecal contamination of food.
The resulting infection, known as salmonellosis, causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps eight to 72 hours after exposure.
However, diarrhea can cause severe dehydration requiring hospitalization, and the infection can lead to death if it spreads beyond the intestines.
Saturday’s announcement comes on the heels of a series of other recalls, including one issued for Fiji Water on May 23.
The recall of nearly two million bottles came after tests found evidence of manganese and three types of unspecified bacteria in some bottles.
Manganese occurs naturally in soil, but continued exposure to the mineral can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs. It can also affect the nervous and reproductive systems.
In a statement, the company said the announcement related to “a matter from several months ago that never posed any health or safety risk.”
On May 24, Dairy Manufacturers, Inc. announced that it was conducting a voluntary recall of three brands of baby formula after failing to comply with FDA regulations.
While no adverse reactions have been reported to date, the ingredients still need to be evaluated to determine if they meet nutritional and food safety standards.