Cucumber Listeria Contamination Results in Recall For Produce Distributed At Walmart Stores

Wiers Farm Inc. is recalling whole and bagged salad cucumbers distributed at Walmart stores in several states, due to a risk that the cucumbers may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can pose serious health for consumers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the cucumber recall on July 16, after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) conducted a standard routine sampling and discovered the food poisoning risk.

Listeria food poisoning can lead to severe infections, especially among children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms, including fever, headaches, stiffness, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea from listeria monocytogenes infections, while pregnant women may suffer more severe consequences, including miscarriages and stillbirths.

To date, there have been no reported illnesses or consumer complaints linked to the contaminated cucumbers, but the announcement comes on the heels of a recent nationwide salmonella food poisoning outbreak linked to other cucumbers.

Cucumber Listeria Recall

This latest recall affects two types of cucumbers, including Wiers Whole Cucumbers of 1.5-2.5 inch diameter and 6-9 inches in length and Wiers Farm 2 lb. bagged Salad Cucumber, which are packaged in a clear bag with a blue base.

These recalled products were sold at Walmart stores in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio with a pack date of June 5, 2024 and bagged salad cucumbers with a pack date of June 5, 2024 and June 6, 2024.

The FDA is recommending consumers discard the impacted products. The recalled cucumbers are past their shelf life and should therefore be out of distribution.

If there are any doubts about a product, do not consume it; instead, discard it, the FDA warns. For questions or concerns, consumers can call (419) 933-2161 or email customercare@wiersfarm.com.

Cucumber Food Poisoning Outbreaks

Earlier this summer two distinct strains of salmonella linked to recalled cucumbers caused a nationwide food poising outbreak. The FDA originally announced the massive cucumber recall on May 30 after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture found salmonella in a cucumber sample.

At the time, regulators were aware of a salmonella outbreak, but were unsure if it was linked to the recalled cucumbers. The identification of two separate strains raised questions about potential contamination of additional products.

In mid-June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported some Florida cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella Bareilly, a different strain from the Salmonella Africana detected in outbreak victims. The FDA inspected Bedner Growers, Inc., a supplier for Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., and found Salmonella Braenderup in untreated canal water, matching the outbreak strain. Additional Salmonella strains were also found in soil and water samples.

By July 1, 2024, investigators confirmed 449 cases of infection with Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup across 31 states and D.C., with 215 cases linked to the new strain. Among 188 interviewed patients, 129 (69%) had eaten cucumbers.

Salmonella food poisoning can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin about 6 hours to 6 days after consuming the bacteria. However, most people recover on their own without medical treatment within roughly one week.

Some people with a weakened immune system, people older than 65, and young children may experience serious symptoms, requiring medical treatment and hospitalization. In severe cases, salmonella infection can be fatal.

Earlier this month, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. and Bedner Growers Inc, faced a cucumber recall lawsuit  filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. The lawsuit presents claims of strict liability, breach of warranty and negligence.