SunFed Produce, based in Arizona, has issued a recall for cucumbers distributed across 26 states, including at stores like Walmart, Wegmans, and Albertsons, due to potential salmonella contamination.

The recall affects American cucumbers that were sold from October 12 to November 26. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked these cucumbers to certain salmonella cases, although details regarding the number of illnesses have not been released.

The cucumbers were distributed to businesses that provide produce to food service and retail locations. SunFed is reaching out to affected buyers and noted that the cucumbers were either packaged in bulk cardboard boxes labeled “SunFed” or in unmarked white boxes or black plastic crates with a sticker identifying the grower “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.” from Mexico.

“We acted swiftly to safeguard consumers once we became aware of the situation and are collaborating with officials and the farms involved to find the possible source,” stated Craig Slate, the president of SunFed, in a press release.

On Thursday, Walmart informed customers about the recall and provided a list of select stores where these cucumbers were available. The stores are located in states including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Wegmans similarly issued a recall that same day, warning customers about potential salmonella in seeded cucumbers bought up to November 27. The company assured that all affected cucumbers and related items have been removed from their shelves.

Albertsons also announced a recall on Thursday, which includes vegetable platters (some containing hummus), salad and lettuce bowls, as well as sliced cucumbers. These products were sold between October 18 and November 27 across Albertsons, Randalls, and Tom Thumb stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

States Where Potentially Contaminated Cucumbers Were Sold

The fresh American cucumbers were made available through SunFed and other importers, reaching consumers in 26 states. The FDA indicated that these cucumbers might have also been found in food service and retail outlets in additional areas:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

The cucumbers were also sold in these Canadian provinces:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Calgary
• Saskatchewan
• Ontario

Signs of Salmonella Infection

Salmonella bacteria can contaminate food when sanitation practices fail, and when food handlers neglect handwashing procedures, according to the FDA. Contamination can also occur through tainted water inadvertently used to irrigate crops, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms of salmonella infection, termed salmonellosis, typically manifest within six hours to six days after exposure and can include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, according to the CDC.

Severe cases may involve body aches, headaches, high fever, fatigue, rashes, and blood in urine or stool, with some infections leading to death.

Each year, salmonella is responsible for approximately 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States, the CDC reports.

This past summer, a separate salmonella outbreak related to cucumbers (not connected to SunFed) affected at least 449 individuals across 31 states, according to the CDC. There have been other recent outbreaks linked to diverse sources such as pet bearded dragons, backyard chickens, and basil.

Advice for Consumers Regarding Salmonella and Cucumbers

If you possess cucumbers that might be part of this recall, do not consume or serve them as per FDA recommendations. If unsure whether your cucumbers were part of the recall, it is best to reach out to your retailer for clarification.

Some whole American cucumbers may also have labels indicating their origin, which might assist in identifying them as involved in this recall.

According to a recall notice from Wegmans, certain cucumbers sold in their stores may carry the recall sticker.

If you need more details, you can contact SunFed’s recall hotline at (888) 542-5849, available from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET).

In case you’ve purchased the potentially contaminated cucumbers, the FDA recommends washing and disinfecting any surfaces that might have come into contact with them to prevent cross-contamination. If you have consumed a recalled product and are feeling unwell, it’s advised to consult your healthcare provider.