Canada is facing an unprecedented Salmonella outbreak. The culprit this time is something even more unlikely: field cucumbers. Salmonella is a kind of bacteria typically found in animal intestines, most notably chickens. However, from harvest to point of sale, the processing of food can be exposed to many harmful bacteria-and many different strains of Salmonella.
This recall applies to fresh field cucumbers sold in bulk and which were purchased from Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea, and Freson Brothers on or before Sept. 4, 2015. Consumers who are unsure about the cucumbers they purchased must check in with their retailer, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advised.
Canadian authorities have begun investigations on other food types which may also be contaminated with other kinds of bacteria. If any products are found to be infected, this will result in more recalls. The agency is also monitoring the industry's compliance with the recall. As of now, there are no reports of people getting sick with Salmonella Poona, Food Safety News reported.
Salmonella Poona is most dangerous to young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised. Healthy individuals may exhibit high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These symptoms should only be in the short-term but can be much more dangerous to prone individuals, Fox 6 Now reported.
The recall of field cucumbers was triggered by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce (A&W) of San Diego, CA. A&W recalled its Limited Edition cucumbers sold from August 1, 2015 through September 3, 2015, the CDC reported. So far, 341 people spanning 30 states have been infected with the bad batch of cucumbers. 70 hospitalizations and even 2 deaths were reported because of Salmonella Poona.
US authorities are conducting investigations to determine if local cucumber growers may have also sold produce with the Salmonella strain too. For now, however, it would seem that locally grown cucumbers like those from Wisconsin, are safe for human consumption.
