Jan 27, 2016

New cases in salmonella outbreak linked to imported cucumbers

New cases of illness related to a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to imported cucumbers are still being recorded, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fifty more ill people and two deaths have been reported since mid-November, the CDC said in the update.

The CDC continues investigating the salmonella outbreak that began in July. Lab testing linked the outbreak to cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce as a likely source, according to the CDC. The source of contamination has not been identified.

Voluntary recalls were announced in September by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce and Custom Produce Sales, which received cucumbers from A&W Fresh Produce.

The new cases included in the update bring the total to 888 people infected and six deaths from 39 states.

The number of reported illnesses has declined since its peak in August and September, but the numbers are higher than the one case per month the CDC expected for this time of year, the agency said.

Consumers are being urged to wash and sanitize drawers or shelves where the recalled cucumbers may have been stored, and to wash reusable grocery bags often.

The CDC is investigating if cross-contamination within the distribution chain is the explanation for recent illnesses.

For more information and updates, visit the CDC website.