Cucumbers Linked to Salmonella Shipped to Illinois

Tainted cucumbers from Mexico linked to salmonella were shipped to Illinois and 21 other states. The vegetables, distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, are now being recalled after sickening 285 people in 27 states.

Half of those who got sick were children. A woman in California died as a result of salmonella from tainted cucumbers, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, a San Diego-based company, initiated the recall of its “Limited Edition” brand of pole grown cucumbers.

“The labeling on these cases indicates the product was grown and packed by Rancho Don Juanito in Mexico. These cucumbers were distributed between August 1 – September 3, 2015,” the California Department of Public Health said.

Other states that received the recalled cucumbers include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Utah, Florida, Kentucky and Mississippi.

Health officials in California say it is unlikely cucumbers in retail grocery stores will have identifying brand information.

“CDPH recommends that consumers check with their grocer to determine if the cucumbers they purchased are impacted by this warning,” California health officials said.

Domestically produced cucumbers are not involved in this outbreak, according to health officials.

“The safety and health of the consumers who buy our products have always been the highest priority for us,” Dave Murray, a partner in the company, told the Associated Press in an interview. “I bring our produce home to my family, that’s how much I believe in the produce we buy, ship and sell. We’ve invested millions to make sure our food safety systems are effective and up to date.”