Urgent Recall: Tainted Cucumbers Bring Salmonella to Wisconsin and Illinois

A major health alert has been issued for residents of Wisconsin and Illinois after SunFed Produce, LLC announced a nationwide recall of whole fresh American/slicer cucumbers potentially contaminated with Salmonella. The cucumbers were grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, and sold across multiple states between October 12th and November 26th, 2024.

Health officials have confirmed 68 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infections across 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations. Wisconsin and Illinois consumers are strongly urged to check their produce as recalled cucumbers are linked to this outbreak. While no deaths have been reported, the risk is significant, especially for children under five, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting

If left untreated, Salmonella can lead to severe conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis. Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization. However, most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.

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Where the Cucumbers Were Sold

The recalled cucumbers were distributed to foodservice outlets and retailers in Wisconsin, Illinois, and many other states, including: AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IN, KS, MD, MA, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WA. Distribution has been confirmed for states above, but products could have been distributed further, reaching additional states. They may have been sold in bulk bins or packaged in cardboard boxes labeled with the “SunFed” logo or stickers indicating “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.”. In some cases, cucumbers might display a "SunFed Mexico" PLU sticker. Check the images below for confirmation of contaminated produce.

What You Should Do

• Check Your Fridge: If you purchased whole fresh cucumbers during the specified dates, inspect for any stickers or packaging with “SunFed” or “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.”
• Dispose of Affected Products: Do not consume the cucumbers. Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces they may have touched.
• Uncertain Origins? When in doubt, throw them out or contact your retailer for clarification.
• Feeling Unwell? If you suspect infection, seek immediate medical attention.

Retailers are advised to stop selling affected cucumbers, discard any inventory, and sanitize storage and display areas. SunFed Produce is actively coordinating with the FDA to address the issue and prevent further contamination.

"As soon as we learned of this issue, we immediately acted to protect consumers. Food safety and consumer wellness have been our priorities for over 30 years. We are working closely with the FDA and our growers to determine the source of this contamination.”

-Craig Slate, President of SunFed Produce, LLC

Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact the SunFed Recall Hotline at (888) 542-5849 during business hours (M-F, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST). Additionally, the FDA and CDC are actively investigating this outbreak in collaboration with state and local health officials. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Don't ignore this warning. The health and safety of you and your family could depend on it! Stay informed and take action today.