Imported Cucumbers Behind Multistate Salmonella Outbreak

November 21, 2015

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Poona infections. The outbreak has been traced back to cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Willamson Fresh Produce and Custom Produce Sales. 

The cucumbers, sold under two labels. The first is the  Fat Boy label and were shipped to California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas. These cucumbers were shipped in a blac, green, red and craft colored carton which reads "Fat Boy Fresh Produce." 

Fat Boy cucumbers were packed into the following:

Cucumber Carton 24’s Fat Boy Label
Cucumber Carton Super Select Fat Boy Label
Cucumber Carton 6 count Fat Boy Label
Cucumber Carton 5 # Fat Boy Label
Possible Fat Boy Lot Codes: 93968, 94506, 94550, 94522, 94513, 93991
 
Reusable Plastic Containers (RPC):
Lot Code:  (01) 1 0851821 22000 2 (10) 99
Item #  552678329
 
The second label is the Limited Edition cucumber. Limited Edition® cucumbers were produced in Baja California and distributed in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah and reached customers through retail, food service companies, wholesalers, and brokers.
 
These cucumbers are shipped in a black, green, yellow, and craft colored carton which reads “Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumbers.” This variety is often referred to as a “Slicer” or “American” cucumber. It has a dark green color. It typically has a length of 7 to 10 inches and a diameter of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. In retail it is typically is sold in a bulk display without any individual packaging or plastic wrapping. In food service it is typically served as part of a salad.
 
Consumers are asked to not eat the cucumbers, and to dispose of them or return them to the store. 

Image Sources:

.