Cucumbers from Mexico are likely to blame for an outbreak of Salmonella that has infected 838 people and contributed to four deaths, according to a warning from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in October 2015.
What You Can Do & How a Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cucumber induced Salmonella cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been infected, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak Still Making People Sick
November 20, 2015 — People are still getting sick from Salmonella-tainted cucumbers nearly three months after a recall, with another 71 cases reported since mid-October. Click here to read more.
October 7, 2015 — Another 61 illnesses and two more deaths reported since September 29, bringing the total number of illnesses to 732 in 35 states, including 4 deaths and 150 hospitalizations. Click here to read more.
September 30, 2015 — The CDC reports that 671 cases of Salmonella in 34 states are linked to cucumbers imported from Mexico. Click here to read more.
September 23, 2015 — The CDC posted an update to report 140 new illnesses in an outbreak of Salmonella linked to cucumbers, bringing the total number of cases to 558 in 33 states. Click here to read more.
September 21, 2015 — Health officials in Arizona have confirmed that a woman from Tucson died after eating cucumbers contaminated with Salmonella. Click here to read more.
September 16, 2015 — The CDC has reported another 77 cases in an outbreak of Salmonella linked to cucumbers grown in Mexico, bringing the total number to 418 illnesses in 31 states. Click here to read more.
September 14, 2015 — Custom Produce Sales of Parlier, California has recalled its “Fat Boy” brand of cucumbers because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Click here to read more.
September 10, 2015 — Another 56 cases of Salmonella and a second death have been linked to cucumbers imported from Mexico by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, bringing the total number of cases to 341 in 30 states. Click here to read more.
September 9, 2015 — A second lawsuit has been filed in Minnesota by victims of a Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers that were used in salads at Red Lobster. Click here to read more.
How Many People Were Infected?
The outbreak strain has been identified as Salmonella Poona. As of November 19, a total of 838 infections have been reported in 38 states. At least 165 people have been hospitalized since July 3, 2015.
Four deaths have been reported in California, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma. The victims include a 99 year-old woman from San Diego, California and a woman from Texas who died in late August. According to the Associated Press, she had other serious health issues and Salmonella was listed as a “contributing factor” in her death.
Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers from Mexico
Multiple investigations have traced the outbreak to cucumbers imported from Mexico by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, based in San Diego. The cucumbers were grown in northern Mexico and distributed nationwide.
Where Were the Cucumbers Sold?
The distributor supplied cucumbers to leading grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, HEB, and Safeway. They were also used in dishes served at national restaurant chains like Red Lobster and Olive Garden.
Cucumber Recall
Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce recalled cucumbers on September 4. They were sold under the “Limited Edition” label from August 1 through September 3, 2015.
On September 11, Custom Produce recalled for cucumbers that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The “slicer” or “American” style cucumbers were grown in northern Baja Mexico and sold under the “Fat Boy®” brand.
Did You Buy Recalled Cucumbers?
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that cucumbers in retail grocery stores will have any identifying brand information because they were sold in the bulk section without packaging or labels. Consumers with concerns should contact their grocer to determine if the cucumbers they purchased were affected by the recall.
Cucumber Salmonella Lawsuits
The first lawsuit has already been filed, SI Live reports. Kathleen R. Dvergsten developed severe gastrointestinal symptoms and was hospitalized after eating a salad at a Red Lobster in Minnesota.
Salmonella Food Poisoning
Although most healthy adults recover within a week without needing medical attention, Salmonella infections can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening — especially for young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include:
- fever
- abdominal cramps
- diarrhea that may be bloody
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness and fatigue
Do I have a Cucumber Salmonella Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cucumber induced Salmonella cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been infected, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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