Already under recall in the United States, whole cucumbers from Mexico and distributed by SunFed LLC are now being recalled in Canada.
The cucumbers have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak in the United States that has sickened 68 people across 19 states. As of Dec. 3, no illnesses had been confirmed in Canada in relation to the cucumbers.
The cucumbers under recall in Canada were distributed in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a white boxes or black plastic crates with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.” The cucumbers may have been sold loose or in bulk without a brand name, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
SunFed reports having distributed the cucumbers in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Tha Canadian Food Inspection agency is reporting that the recalled cucumbers may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
The recalled cucumbers were sold from Oct. 12 to Nov. 29. There is concern that consumers may still have the implicated cucumbers in their homes.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled cucumbers and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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