Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it was investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella connected to cucumbers. The cucumber producer, Bedner Growers, Inc. shortly after announced a voluntary recall for whole cucumbers due to potential Salmonella contamination. Days later, Harris Teeter, Kroger, PennRose Farms, LLC, and Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, LLC have now followed suit and announced more recalls of cucumbers and products containing cucumbers from Bedner Growers potentially linked to this outbreak.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in animals and humans, especially those in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
The recall was initiated because they have been linked to a nationwide Salmonella outbreak currently under investigation by federal, state, and local health authorities.
Distribution
The Harris Teeter recall notice did not specify to what states or stores the recalled product was distributed.
The Kroger products were sold at stores in the Greater Memphis area, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Western Kentucky.
The PennRose Farms, LLC cucumbers were sent to Restaurant Depot distribution centers in New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio.
Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, LLC cucumbers were sold at these retailers:
- Food Lion stores in Virginia and North Carolina
- Harris Teeter in Williamsburg, Virginia
- Kroger stores in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky
- Libbie Market in Richmond, Virginia
- Ukrop’s Market Hall in Richmond, Virginia
Product Details
Consumer Action
Consumers should check their homes and businesses for the recalled products.
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected products even if they look or smell safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled products is requested to not sell, serve, or distribute them.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface, utensils, or containers that have come into contact with the impacted products.
The recalled items should be disposed of immediately or returned to the store for a refund. Consumers with cucumbers of unknown origin should take caution and throw them out as well.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the respective recalling company:
- Harris Teeter – requests consumers contact Bedner Growers, Inc at 866-222-9180 from Mon to Fri from 8 am to 5 pm
- Kroger – consumers can contact Kroger Customer Connect at 800-576-4377
- PennRose Farms – consumers can contact the company at 800-804-7254 from 8 am to 5 pm EST
- Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods – consumers can contact the company at 804-340-3050 from Mon to Fri, from 8 am to 5 pm EST
Health Risks
Multiple illnesses in connection with consumption of the affected product have been reported. An outbreak investigation is ongoing.
Any consumers who are experiencing symptoms after contact with the affected product should contact their medical provider.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
