A recent salmonella outbreak has prompted major recalls, including 10,000 cartons of eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand and SunFed whole cucumbers, which were distributed across more than two dozen states. Dozens of illnesses have been reported nationwide.
Key Facts:
- The Costco eggs, sourced from Handsome Brook Farms, a New York-based organic egg supplier, were sold in 25 stores. The recall affects 24-count cartons of eggs, labeled with the Kirkland Signature brand and featuring the Julian code 327 and a “use by” date of January 5, 2025. So far, no illnesses have been reported from these eggs.
- SunFed Produce has also issued a recall of cucumbers potentially contaminated with salmonella. The bulk cucumbers, sold between October 12 and November 26, 2024, were distributed in 26 states across the U.S. and Canada. The recall was initiated after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was informed of illnesses related to the cucumbers. As of now, 68 cases of illness have been reported in 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations. No fatalities have been reported. Montana has the highest number of cases, with 16, followed by Oregon and Colorado, where cases range from seven to nine.
Where Were the Recalled Products Sold?
- The recalled Costco eggs were sold in five states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, starting on November 22, 2024.
- SunFed cucumbers were sold in a wide range of states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and more. They were also sold in several Canadian provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
Understanding Salmonella:
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause infection when contaminated food or water is consumed, or when individuals come into contact with animal feces. Although there are more than 2,500 types of salmonella, fewer than 100 are responsible for most human illnesses. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically lasting 4-7 days. However, salmonella infections can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC estimates that salmonella is responsible for a significant number of foodborne illnesses, with fewer than 1 in 30 infections being diagnosed.
How Does Salmonella Contaminate Food?
Eggs can become contaminated with salmonella either during formation inside the chicken or after being laid if they come into contact with contaminated droppings. For cucumbers and other produce, contamination often occurs through contact with animal feces or contaminated water. Salmonella can survive for extended periods in dry environments and water, and antimicrobial-resistant strains are becoming increasingly common.
How to Prevent Salmonella Infection:
To reduce the risk of salmonella, the CDC recommends safe food handling practices such as washing all surfaces before cooking, keeping raw meat separate from other foods, and cooking food to safe temperatures. It’s also crucial to store food at temperatures below 40°F and practice good hand hygiene. Additionally, individuals should be cautious around animals, especially those at petting zoos, farms, and fairs, where the risk of exposure to salmonella is higher.
Recent Salmonella Incidents:
Earlier this year, more than 90 people fell ill and 34 were hospitalized across 12 states due to contaminated eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms. Another outbreak occurred during the summer, with 15 cases linked to pet bearded dragons, resulting in four hospitalizations.
Consumer Actions:
If you have purchased the recalled Costco eggs or SunFed cucumbers, it’s advised to discard them immediately or return them to the store. Consumers should also thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of salmonella infection.
For ongoing updates and more information on the recall, the FDA encourages consumers to visit their website or contact local health authorities.
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