Cucumber Recall Update: FDA Reveals 68 Hospitalizations Following Salmonella Multistate Outbreak

On June 1, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of cucumbers which were suspected to be contaminated with salmonella infections. The agency has updated its recall as more people from different states were hospitalized.

Multistate Salmonella Outbreak

Government officials have issued a health warning after 68 people were hospitalized with salmonella Africana from contaminated cucumbers. Together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA has conducted an investigation to identify the possible source of the infections and to determine the recentyly affected states.

On May 31, produce supplier Fresh Start Produce Sales initiated a voluntary recall of their cucumbers because of possible health risks. Sampling by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture discovered that a sample of their product had tested positive for salmonella bacteria.

However, the recent genomic analysis by the FDA revealed that the strain of the bacteria on the infected cucumbers was not the same as the one responsible for the current outbreak. There are over 2,000 various strains of salmonella bacteria which can cause different severities of illness.

In general, salmonella infection can result in fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps and can last for four to seven days. Most people recover without receiving any treatment, but some may experience more severe illness that needs medical treatment, such as young children, immunocompromised people and elderly people.

As of June 12, the current salmonella outbreak under investigation has affected 196 individuals across 28 states. Of these cases, 68 have been hospitalized, according to a CDC report.

The exact toll of infected people is also expected to be much higher than the reported number, and the salmonella outbreak may not also be limited to the reported states with known cases. This is due to the fact that many people recover from the illness without getting tested for salmonella and without receiving medical care.

The recent illnesses may not also be reported as it typically takes 3-4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. Alongside the salmonella Africana outbreak, the FDA and CDC are also monitoring an outbreak of salmonella Braenderup infections, which has affected 185 individuals across 24 states.

The two outbreaks share some similarities, such as the demographics of the infected people. Experts are currently working to determine if they are both linked to the same food.

What Are Food Recalls?

In the US, two agencies regulate food safety. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulates poultry, meat, and egg products, while the FDA regulates all other food products. The food and safety authority of FDA comes from the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act which was amended by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FFDCA/FSMA).

A food recall happens when the government or a private company informs the public about a food item that is either mislabeled or adulterated. When a particular product is recalled, the public is informed by the recalling entity about the specific issue with the product. They are also usually warned against consumption of the product.

Check out more news and information on Salmonella Infection in Science Times.