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Cucumbers and organic eggs that were shipped to the US and Canada and sold across 25 Costco stores in five southern states were recalled this week for potential salmonella contamination. According to authorities, the cucumber outbreak has sickened 68 people, including 18 who were hospitalized, in 19 states. However, no one has died.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the cucumber produced by Agrotato SA, grown in Sonora, Mexico, may be the culprit.
The Food and Drug Administration said a recall was announced earlier this week by the US Food and Drug Administration, tied to the outbreak. Arizona-based SunFed Produce recalled cucumbers sold between October 12 and November 26. The recall happened after SunFed was told by the FDA that associated illnesses had been reported and those who bought cucumbers during the window should check with the store where they purchased them to see if the produce is part of the recall.
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Over 11,000 cartons of eggs recalled
FDA also revealed that over 11,000 cartons of 24-count organic eggs were sold under Costco's Kirkland Signature brand that landed on shelves in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Even though no illnesses were reported, Handsome Brook Farm from where the eggs were obtained, said the cartons included eggs that were “not intended for retail distribution." Shoppers should check to see whether their egg cartons have Julian code 327 printed on the side and have a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025. If the eggs are included in the recall, throw them out or take them back to the store for a refund.
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Authorities advised customers who had either of the recalled food products to wash items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the foods using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Earlier this summer, a separate salmonella outbreak in the US sickened 450 people.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella can make you sick with diarrhoea and stomach pains from Salmonella bacteria causing gastroenteritis. According to experts, it is the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the US. Also known as salmonellosis, it causes various symptoms that begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria.
Doctors say most people recover without treatment within a week, but young children, people older than 65 years, and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill.
Who is higher at risk for getting salmonella?
According to experts, even though anyone can get salmonella, you might be at higher risk for infection or serious illness depending on your age, your living conditions, and certain illnesses and medications. You are at an increased risk of getting salmonella if you:
- Live or work around high-risk animals like chickens, ducks, turtles, and lizards.
- Take antacids or lots of antibiotics as they lower your defenses against salmonella and make it easier to get sick.
- Live with inflammatory bowel disease or IBD
- Are under the age of 5 years
- Have a compromised immune system due to infections like HIV
- Have sickle cell disease