The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the conclusion of a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak associated with cucumbers imported from Mexico, with a total of 113 confirmed cases. The outbreak's initial cases were reported in mid-October, with the most recent illness onset recorded on December 7. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first disclosed the outbreak on November 26, when the patient count stood at 68.
Following the outbreak identification, SunFed Produce LLC, on November 27, 2024, recalled whole cucumbers sourced from Agrotato, S.A. de C.V., located in Sonora, Mexico. Shortly after, on November 29, 2024, Baloian Farms also initiated a recall of cucumbers of all sizes from the same grower.
The FDA confirmed that numerous products containing sliced or ready-to-eat cucumbers were recalled due to their association with the outbreak. The agency has also verified that all implicated cucumbers and products have exceeded their shelf life and have been removed from the market. These cucumbers were distributed across the United States and Canada.
The outbreak affected individuals in 23 states, with 28 of the 99 patients for whom data was available requiring hospitalization, indicating the Salmonella strain's virulence. There have been no fatalities linked to this outbreak. Interviews with 69 affected individuals revealed that 56 had consumed cucumbers before falling ill.
The CDC suggests that the actual number of infected individuals may be higher than reported, as many cases go unconfirmed. This discrepancy is attributed to some patients not seeking medical care and others not being tested specifically for Salmonella.
Source: FSN