Cucumber recall expanded due to salmonella risk

Overwaitea Food Group is recalling field cucumbers purchased from Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea, and Freson Brothers in B.C. and Alberta, due to possible salmonella contamination.

The recall covers fresh field cucumbers sold in bulk, unwrapped, on or before Sept. 4, 2015. Consumers are advised to throw out the items or return them to the store where they were purchased.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), both recalls were triggered by a recall by Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce (A&W) of San Diego, Calif., and may be associated with a salmonella outbreak in the U.S.

There have been no illnesses associated with the products reported in Canada, but according to health authorities in the U.S., 285 people infected with the outbreak strains of salmonella poona related to “slicer” cucumbers supplied by A&W have been reported in 27 states as of Sept. 3, 2015. One death has been reported from California, and 53 people have reported being hospitalized, the US Food and Drug Administration is reported to have said.