Kroger Cucumber, Sushi Recalled Due to Salmonella Fears

December 6, 2024 TruthUSA

The recalls are linked to an outbreak that has already resulted in 68 people falling ill.

Salads, sushi, and other food products are being pulled out from Kroger and other retail outlets in several states, expanding a recent cucumber recall following concerns of bacterial contamination.

Texas-based Supreme Produce is recalling food items containing cucumbers sourced from SunFed Produce, a Dec. 5 announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. The cucumbers distributed by Arizona-based SunFed were imported from Mexico and deemed to be at risk of salmonella contamination. SunFed had already issued a withdrawal notice for cucumbers in late November. According to Supreme Produce, the items include sliced cucumbers, vegetable bowls, and salads.

The products were distributed via King Soopers and Kroger retail outlets located in Colorado and Texas and sold in clear-plastic grab-n-go containers. They have “Best By” dates ranging from Nov. 22 to Dec. 6.

Salmonella infection is a cause for concern since it may sometimes be fatal for “young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the announcement said.

“Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,” it said.

“In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.”

The company asked people to avoid consuming the recalled items. Individuals with queries should contact Supreme Produce at (888) 542-5849.

Supreme Produce pointed out that no illnesses have so far been linked to any of its food products.

“The company ceased the production of items utilizing the recalled cucumbers and completed sanitation procedures,” it said.

Texas-based Yummi Sushi has also recalled several sushi products that included cucumbers because of similar issues. Yummi had sourced the cucumbers from SunFed. The withdrawn items were sold in Texas through Kroger outlets.

The cucumbers sold by SunFed were supplied by Agrotato, a Mexican company. The FDA and other agencies are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella infections linked to Agrotato-supplied cucumbers.

In total, 68 people have been reported ill in the outbreak, with 18 hospitalizations. The cases are spread across 19 states.

Multiple Recalls, Infection Risk

In addition to SunFed, salmonella-linked cucumbers from Agrotato were imported by two more companies in the United States—Baloian Farms of Arizona Co. and Minnesota-based Russ Davis Wholesale. Both these entities are also withdrawing affected products from the market.

Texas-based JFE Franchising also recalled several of its products, including salads and vegetable bowls, in connection with the SunFed recall. The items were distributed in Kroger stores in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, and Louisiana.

Walmart has also made a similar recall of cucumber slices that were sold via 34 of its stores in Texas.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella is responsible for around 1.35 million infections annually in the country.

Eating food contaminated with the bacteria, touching infected animals, and drinking contaminated water can lead to infections.

“People can get infected if they drink water that has not been made safe, including by drinking water from streams, ponds, and lakes when swimming or camping,” the agency said.

“If water containing Salmonella is used for irrigating or cleaning produce, Salmonella can contaminate fruits and vegetables before or after harvest.”

The FDA advises people to check whether the recalled cucumbers are stored in freezers or refrigerators in their homes. If so, the appliances have to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after throwing away the cucumbers.

“If you bought whole, fresh American/slicer cucumbers on or after October 12, 2024, and can’t tell where they are from, ask your purchase location if they are part of the recall or throw them away,” the agency said.

A recent survey conducted by Gallup shows that trust in the government’s ability to ensure food safety has hit a “record low.”

In July 2024, only 57 percent said they have a “great deal/fair amount” of trust in the federal government to ensure that the food supply chain is safe. This is down from a peak of 85 percent in 2004.

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