**Cucumbers Recalled After Salmonella Outbreak Sickens People in 19 States**

A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has sickened at least 68 people across 19 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eighteen of those affected required hospitalization, though no deaths have yet been reported.

Federal officials are investigating the source of the outbreak, which is believed to be cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, and distributed by SunFed Produce, based in Arizona, as well as other importers. The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and various public health agencies, is working to assess the situation.

SunFed Produce has issued a recall for all sizes of its "whole fresh American cucumbers," which were packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled "SunFed" or in generic white boxes or black plastic crates with a sticker indicating the grower's name. The recalled cucumbers were sold between October 12 and November 26 in over half of the United States, including major states like California, Texas, New York, and Florida, as well as in several Canadian provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia.

Craig Slate, President of SunFed, emphasized the company's commitment to consumer safety in a statement, noting that they are coordinating with authorities and the affected ranch to determine the outbreak's cause.

The CDC has cautioned that the actual number of people affected is likely higher than reported and advised consumers to check for a "SunFed Mexico" sticker on their cucumbers. Any cucumbers without clear origin labels, bought during the specified period, should be discarded or returned.

Retail giants Walmart and Wegmans have alerted customers to the recall, with Wegmans confirming that the affected cucumbers are no longer available on their shelves.

This recent outbreak follows another earlier in the year, where salmonella-contaminated cucumbers from Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Company led to 551 illnesses across 34 states and Washington, D.C. That incident concluded in late August, according to the CDC.

Salmonellosis, the infection caused by salmonella bacteria, is commonly linked to undercooked meat but can also be transmitted through fruits and vegetables. Contamination risks include naturally occurring pathogens in soil, tainted irrigation water, and unsanitary conditions during processing and distribution. Despite thorough washing, fresh produce may still carry harmful microorganisms, making food safety a critical concern.

Each year, approximately 1.35 million people in the United States fall ill due to salmonella, making it the most frequently reported cause of food-borne illness according to the Department of Agriculture. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can persist for several days.