### Widespread Recalls for Cucumbers and Organic Eggs Due to Salmonella Concerns

This week has seen the recall of cucumbers distributed across the U.S. and Canada, as well as Kirkland Signature organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores spanning five southern U.S. states, due to suspected salmonella contamination. The cucumber-related salmonella outbreak has impacted 68 individuals across 19 states, resulting in 18 hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcement on Friday. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. The CDC suspects the contamination may originate from produce cultivated by Agrotato S.A. in Sonora, Mexico.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall on Thursday linked to the outbreak. SunFed Produce, an Arizona-based company, has recalled cucumbers sold between October 12 and November 26. This action followed the FDA's notification to SunFed about related illnesses reported between October 12 and November 15. Consumers who purchased cucumbers during this period should verify with their retailers to ascertain if their products are part of the recall.

Similarly, the recall of organic eggs, sold in nearly 11,000 cartons of 24-count packages under Costco's Kirkland Signature label, began on November 22. These eggs were available in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The recall was detailed in a company announcement that was published on the FDA’s website on Wednesday. While no illnesses have been linked to the eggs thus far, Handsome Brook Farms indicated that the cartons included eggs that were "not intended for retail distribution." Consumers should check for Julian code 327 and a use-by date of January 5, 2025, on their egg cartons. Any implicated eggs should be discarded or returned to the store for a refund.

Customers who have purchased either of these recalled food items are advised to clean all items and surfaces that might have been in contact with the products using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher to prevent contamination. Salmonella infection symptoms typically manifest between six hours to six days after consuming the bacteria and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While most people recover within a week without medical intervention, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems can become severely ill.

This recall follows a separate salmonella outbreak earlier this summer that affected 450 people in the United States through contaminated cucumbers.