Salmonella Outbreak in 10 US States Linked to Home Delivery Meals, CDC Warns

Here is a detailed summary of the information regarding the Salmonella outbreak linked to home-delivery meals, based on CDC warnings and reports.

Summary of the Outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a multi-state Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to contaminated cucumbers. While the investigation is ongoing, evidence indicates that a specific brand of home-delivery meal kits were one avenue through which people were exposed to the contaminated produce.

The primary source of the outbreak appears to be whole, fresh cucumbers that were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. of Delray, Florida. These cucumbers were then sold to retail stores and were also supplied to companies that assemble and ship meal kits for home delivery.

Key Points of the Outbreak

• Pathogen: Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup (Two related strains).

• Cases Reported: As of the latest update, 162 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 25 states and the District of Columbia.

  • (Note: Initial reports mentioned 10 states, but the investigation has expanded significantly.)

• Hospitalizations: 54 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

• Source: Contaminated whole, fresh cucumbers supplied by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. These cucumbers are not the smaller, snack-sized variety.

• Link to Meal Kills: The outbreak is linked to meal kits from Fresh Recall, a company that has since recalled its meal kits containing the cucumbers.

Which Meal Kits Are Affected?

The affected meal kits were sold under the brand name Fresh Recall. The company has issued a recall for certain meal kits that were shipped to customers between May 24 and June 14, 2024.

The recalled kits contain various ingredients for meals, but the cucumbers included in these kits are the item of concern. The kits were delivered to consumers in at least 14 states.

What You Should Do: Consumer Advice

1. Check Your Home:

   • Do not eat any whole, fresh cucumbers that you cannot confirm are from a safe source.

   • If you have Fresh Recall meal kits, check the delivery dates. If they were delivered between May 24 and June 14, throw them away immediately. Do not eat any of the cucumbers in the kit.

   • Wash and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or refrigerators that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers.

2. Symptoms to Watch For:

   • Symptoms of Salmonella infection usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. They include:

     • Diarrhea (which can be bloody)

     • Fever

     • Stomach cramps

     • Nausea and vomiting

   • Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days. However, some people (especially young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems) can experience more severe illnesses that require hospitalization.

3. If You Get Sick:

   • Contact your healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms.

   • Report your illness to your local health department. This helps investigators identify ongoing outbreaks.

Status of the Investigation

The investigation is ongoing. The CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local health departments are working to trace the source of the contamination and determine if other products are linked to illnesses.

The original distributor, Fresh Start Produce, has recalled the affected cucumbers, which were shipped to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in at least 14 states. Because these cucumbers may have been repackaged and sold in various stores and meal kits, it is crucial for consumers to be vigilant.