More cases reported in salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers
A deadly outbreak of salmonella illnesses traced back to cucumbers imported from Mexico has infected nearly 900 people since the beginning of the outbreak last year.
Officials at FDA say since the last update on the outbreak in November, 50 additional people have been reported ill and another two have died. This brings the official case count to 888 illnesses and six deaths across 39 states, though the CDC says Salmonella infection is not thought to be a contributing factor in the two latest deaths.
Though the rate of illnesses has declined since its peak in August last year, FDA says it has not returned to a number expected—about five illnesses a month. Because of this, officials say the investigation into the source of the illnesses is ongoing.
Last year, investigators determined the source of the infections was most likely Mexican cucumbers imported by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce (A&W). In September, A&W voluntarily recalled all cucumbers sold under the “Limited Edition” brand due to concerns the products may have been contaminated with Salmonella.
The FDA investigation determined that the firm Rancho Don Juanito de R.L. de C.V. located in Baja, Mexico was the primary source of cucumbers shipped to Andrew & Williamson.
On Sept. 14, 2015, FDA issued an updated import alert to include cucumbers from Rancho Don Juanito de R.L. de C.V. located in Baja, Mexico.
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