This is something you’re going to want to take a close look at. If you’ve purchased a sub, wrap, or panini in the last few days, maybe one with cucumbers, it’s time to double-check. There’s been a new food safety warning out, and it has to do with salmonella—a serious bacterial infection that can sneak its way into your food without you knowing.
Cucumbers amid contamination
At the moment, the FDA and CDC are informing the public about a widespread salmonella scare involving cucumbers. Certain food manufacturers and grocery stores have issued recalls of ready-to-eat items like sandwiches and wraps containing sliced cucumbers that were potentially contaminated with salmonella.
So far, the contamination has caused dozens of confirmed illnesses in a number of states. Investigations are ongoing, but the issue started with a big supplier that shipped cucumbers to food processors and delis around the country. You may not even realize you bought a recalled product because it was pre-packaged and ready to eat.
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What you need to do
Check your refrigerator. See if there are any pre-prepared sandwiches or wraps that contain cucumbers as an ingredient, particularly those purchased between early and mid-May. Some of the recalled brands are found in large grocery stores, convenience stores, and possibly even in school cafeterias or office cafes.
If you’re not sure your food is safe, it’s better safe than sorry, and dump it. And be aware of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Salmonella infection symptoms are common, and symptoms will usually start 6 hours to 6 days after you eat the contaminated food.
Why is this a big deal
Salmonella is not a benign stomach bug. In children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, it can be severe—sometimes, it’s an emergency requiring hospitalization. That’s why the CDC and FDA are acting so quickly and urging people to be cautious.
This cucumber-related outbreak is a good reminder that even the best-looking ingredients can cause harm when food safety breaks down somewhere in the chain.
Stay safe and informed
For your and your family members’ protection, it’s a good practice to stay up to date with food recalls. You can receive food safety notifications through the FDA’s website or their social media channels for minute-by-minute updates. If you have already consumed a product that you suspect is contaminated and are experiencing illness, call your doctor right away.
Remember, it’s not just what you put on your plate—it’s how it got there. Watch out, especially with raw fruits and vegetables used in pre-made meals. And the next time you grab that easy panini or wrap, a quick scan for ingredients can keep you from getting a pretty gross shock.
