September 06, 2015
A San Diego-based produce company is having its cucumbers, which were distributed in New Jersey, recalled after a Salmonella outbreak sickened many.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning Friday about cucumbers sold by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, saying not to buy and eat them as they may be contaminated with the bacteria.
According to the CDPH, the current Salmonella outbreak has infected 285 people across 27 states, with one reported fatality in California.
The company issued a statement Friday saying it was recalling all of its cucumbers sold between Aug. 1, 2015, and Sept. 3.
"The safety and welfare of consumers is the highest priority for our company," the statement read. "We are taking all precautions possible to prevent further consumption of this product and are working to learn if and how these cucumbers are involved in the ongoing outbreak."
In addition to New Jersey, the cucumbers were distributed in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
The cucumbers were reportedly imported from Mexico.
Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea which may be bloody, according to the CPDH.
While most infected people recover within a week, some may develop complications.
The department says that infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems have the highest risk for more severe illness.