FDA and CDC Investigate Salmonella Cases Across 19 States as SunFed Pulls Affected Cucumbers from Market
A voluntary recall of fresh American/slicer cucumbers was initiated on November 27, 2024, by SunFed Produce, LLC, due to potential contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium.
The affected cucumbers were grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, and distributed between October 12 and November 26, 2024. This recall follows the FDA and CDC investigation into a multistate outbreak linked to the cucumbers.
According to available data, The outbreak has affected 68 individuals across 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations reported. No fatalities have been recorded.
Among the 33 individuals interviewed, 27 (82%) confirmed consuming cucumbers prior to their illness. Symptoms of Salmonella infection, including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically manifest within 12 to 72 hours of exposure and last four to seven days.
Vulnerable groups, such as children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, are at higher risk for severe infections.
The recalled cucumbers were distributed to both retail and foodservice customers in at least 26 states, including California, Texas, New York, and Florida, among others.
However, the FDA has cautioned that the product may have reached additional states beyond those initially identified. The cucumbers were packaged in bulk cardboard containers under the SunFed label or in black plastic crates labeled with Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.
FDA is collaborating with SunFed Produce, LLC, and its direct customers to assess the need for further downstream recalls. Additional importers that received cucumbers from Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. are also under investigation.
Retailers and distributors have been advised to immediately discard the affected product and clean and sanitize any areas that may have been exposed. Retailers using bulk bins or displays for cucumbers are encouraged to exercise extra caution to ensure thorough sanitation before restocking.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled cucumbers, identifiable by a sticker reading “SunFed Mexico.” If unsure about the origin of the cucumbers, customers should consult their purchase location or err on the side of caution and dispose of the product.
Surfaces that came into contact with the cucumbers should also be cleaned and sanitized. Those experiencing symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection after consuming recalled cucumbers should seek medical advice.
This ongoing investigation highlights the need for vigilance in food safety and traceability in produce distribution. Updates will be provided by the FDA as new information emerges.
Case Count Map Provided by CDC
Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Cucumbers
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 68
Hospitalizations: 18
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: November 16, 2024
States with Cases: AK, CA, CO, IA, IL, MA, MT, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI and WY
Product Distribution*: AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states
