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FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Poona Linked to Cucumbers

The FDA, CDC, and state and local officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Poona linked to "slicer" cucumbers, supplied by Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce and grown in Baja, Mexico. This type of cucumber can also be called "American" cucumbers.
According to the CDC, as of January 26, 2016, 888 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona have been reported from 39 states.
CDC Update: On January 26, 2016 the CDC reported an updated case count. Since the last update on November 19, 2015, 50 more ill people have been reported from 16 states. Tennessee was added to the list of states with ill people, bringing the total number of states to 39.
The number of reported illnesses has declined substantially since the peak of illnesses in August and September; however, it has not returned to the number of reported illnesses that would be expected to be seen (about 1 every month). The investigation into the source of these illnesses is ongoing.

Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce (A&W) is recalling all cucumbers sold under the Limited Edition label because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

• 1 1/9 Bushel Limited Edition Cucumber Carton, Sizes: Plains (60-84 count), Extra Large (48 count), Large (60 count), Super Select (72 count), Super Select Special (84 count). These cucumbers are shipped in a black, green, yellow, and craft colored carton which reads Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumbers. This variety is often referred to as a Slicer or American cucumber. It has a dark green color. It typically has a length of 7 to 10 inches and a diameter of 1.75 to 2.5 inches.
  • Distribution Pattern Limited Edition cucumbers were distributed in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah and reached customers through retail, food service companies, wholesalers, and brokers.
• 5/4 Limited Edition Cucumber Carton, Sizes 24SP, 36/36SP, 48. These cucumbers are shipped in a black, green, yellow, and craft colored carton which reads Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumbers. This variety is often referred to as a Slicer or American cucumber. It has a dark green color. It typically has a length of 7 to 10 inches and a diameter of 1.75 to 2.5 inches.

The preceeding food safety alert is from the FDA Enforcement Report on on January 26, 2016..

The entire alert can be found at www.kashrut.com/TradeNotices/?alert=T0468.