SAN DIEGO – Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce (“A&W”) of San Diego, California is voluntarily recalling all cucumbers sold under the Limited Edition® label during the period from August 1, 2015 through September 3, 2015 because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.
A&W is currently working with health authorities to determine if, in fact, this product is the source of an outbreak of Salmonella with illnesses being reporting in as many as 27 states. In the meantime, out of an abundance of caution, the company is taking all actions necessary to prevent further consumption of potentially affected products. These actions include this voluntary recall and all harvesting and packing of cucumbers with the potential to be linked to this outbreak have been stopped until further information is known. A&W has also contacted all customers who may have received this product so that product in marketing channels can be removed.
“The safety and welfare of consumers is our highest priority. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been sickened in this outbreak,” said Fred Williamson, President and CEO. “We are taking all precautions possible to prevent further consumption of this product and are working to learn if and how these cucumbers are involved in this outbreak.”
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.
Limited Edition® cucumbers were produced in Baja California and 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.
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. In retail it is typically sold in a bulk display without any individual packaging or plastic wrapping. In food service it is typically served as part of a salad.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 285 cases of Salmonella Poona have been reported to date in 27 states.
Consumers who have purchased Limited Edition® brand cucumbers are urged not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to dispose of them. Consumers with questions may contact Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce by visiting the company website at www.andrew-williamson.com or by calling the company at (844) 483-3864.
Source: Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce
