SunFed cucumbers sold in the US and Canada are being recalled due to the risk of salmonella

Canadian officials say whole, fresh U.S. cucumbers from the SunFed Produce brand have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Thursday that SunFed is recalling all sizes of cucumbers packaged in cardboard bulk containers with the SunFed label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker with the grower's name, Agrotato, SA de CV in Sonora, Mexico . .

The recalled cucumbers were sold in Canada and the US between October 12 and November 26.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said affected products sold by SunFed and other importers were shipped to customers in 26 U.S. states, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Cucumbers are believed to have reached consumers through food service and retail stores that may be located in locations other than those listed, the FDA said.

The recall occurred after the FDA notified SunFed that associated illnesses had been reported between October 12 and November 15.

Friday has the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 68 people have been reported infected with this salmonella outbreak in 19 states. Of these, 18 people have been hospitalized. No one died.

The CFIA said it is conducting a food safety investigation, which could result in a food recall warning being issued if necessary these products in Canada.

The agency encouraged consumers to do the same sign up for food recall notifications.

LOOK | What the data says about food safety in Canada:

Are food recalls becoming more common in Canada?

A series of product recalls, including some involving E. coli, Listeria and salmonella, have raised food safety concerns. Lawrence Goodridge, director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety at the University of Guelph, says the data does not indicate an increase in recalls, but adds that the pandemic has caused some disruptions to food safety.

US officials advised consumers to:

• Check if you have the recalled cucumbers.
• Recalled products should not be consumed, served, used, sold or distributed.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product is encouraged to reduce cross-contamination.
• Recalled products must be discarded or destroyed so that they cannot be consumed or returned to the point of sale.
• Consumers who are unsure whether they purchased the recalled cucumbers should contact their retailer.
• If you think you have used a recalled product and are not feeling well, contact your health care provider.

The FDA did that more photos of the cucumber packaging on her site.

“As soon as we learned of this issue, we took immediate action to protect consumers,” SunFed President Craig Slate said in a news release. “We are working closely with authorities and the ranch involved to determine the possible cause.”

Symptoms of salmonella disease usually start within six to 72 hours after exposure and may be associated with sudden onset of headache, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.