Thomas Produce Company of Boca Raton, Florida is recalling 174 bulk-packed containers of cucumbers because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, according to the FDA.
The cucumbers subject to this recall were sold to distributors in Georgia and Florida on December 15 and 16, 2015. All distributors who received this product were notified on December 31.
Food Safety News is reporting the fresh, whole green cucumbers were sold in 166 cardboard bushel boxes (1 1/9 bushel size) with one of the following lot numbers ink-jet printed on the side: 1554311JDNK, 1554311HDNK, and 15143115DNK. These cucumbers were also distributed in 8 bulk cardboard bins(4’x4′ size) tagged with codes 15NKJD-1554311-D, 15NKHD-1554311-D, and 15NK5D-1514311-D.
According to a press release issued by Thomas Produce, the recall was initiated out of an abundance of caution after a random sampling yielded a positive result for Salmonella in a test conducted by the FDA. The company decided to recall all lots of cucumbers packed on the same day. The company has ceased production and distribution of the affected lots and is cooperating with the FDA in the investigation.
Thomas Produce is a family-owned farm and business in operation since 1958. It is the largest vegetable-growing operation in the state of Florida, with 13,000 acres in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Hendry counties. All the farm’s managers are trained and certified in food safety principals.
Before the start of the 2011 growing season, Thomas Produce began using the HarvestMark Tractability Program. This program allows Thomas Produce to externally trace each individual box of produce using a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
Consumers who purchased the product subject to this recall are urged to not consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the original place of purchase. There have been no illnesses reported in connection with this recall.
Consumers with questions may contact Richard Wilson, Compliance Director, of Thomas Produce Company at 1-561-482-1111 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST.