California and Texas have reported one death each, linked to the Salmonella poona outbreak. The cucumbers in question were imported from Mexico, reports Food Safety News.
CBC.ca is reporting that the second death in Texas occurred in late August. The Texas State Department of Heath Services said the patient had other underlying health problems.
In the latest CDC update, the 341 confirmed cases infected with Salmonella in 30 states is an increase of 56 since August 3, 2015. Over half of the cases involved children under the age of 18. Eleven clusters of illness have also been identified in seven states.
In Canada, Overwaitea Food Group announced a recall of field cucumbers purchased from Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea, and Freson Brothers in B.C. and Alberta. On Sept. 9, the CFIS issued an expanded recall notice for field cucumber products at a variety of smaller stores in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon.
Limited Edition cucumbers distributed in U.S. and Canada
The field cucumbers, described as being dark green in color, are also called “slicers” or American cucumbers. They are usually seven to 10 inches in length and are often sold in bulk at retail locations. “These cucumbers are shipped in a green-and-black cardboard box with the label ‘Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumbers’,” the CDC said.
The recall notice covers cucumbers under the Limited Edition label sold from Aug. 1 through Sept. 3. The cucumbers were grown and produced in Baja California, Mexico, and distributed in 22 U.S. states from Alaska to New Jersey, according to Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego, California, as reported in Digital Journal on Sept. 5.
On Sept. 7, as reported by Digital Journal, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall of the Limited Edition cucumbers and products made using the cucumbers from Safeway stores in Canada. The CFIS has expanded that recall notice as of Sept. 9.
Consumers are reminded that the cucumbers may look perfectly good to eat, yet they may be tainted with Salmonella. Consumers are advised to either throw them out or return them to your retailer. Do not eat them.
