Sudden Recall of Illinois Cucumbers Due to Fatal Infection Risk

If you picked up cucumbers over the past few weeks in Illinois, it's time to check your vegetable supply as there's an urgent recall due to a potentially fatal infection risk.

The Food and Drug Administration just issued this recall of cucumbers that were widely available in Illinois is May as some samples have tested positive for Salmonella. The bulletin says Fresh Start Produce Sales distributed cucumbers in Illinois and 13 other states between May 17 and May 21. A sample from those cucumbers tested positive for contamination of Salmonella.

The problem is these cucumbers were distributed in bulk cartons in Illinois, but may have been sold in a display where the box was not present.

The Centers for Disease Control warns that Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in healthy individuals, but can have fatal consequences among the very young, old and/or those with weakened immune systems. Even among the healthy, Salmonella can be serious enough to require hospitalization.

A previous outbreak of Salmonella among cucumbers was responsible for one death and many sicknesses. As of this writing, there are no confirmed deaths or sicknesses associated with this current recall in Illinois.