TORONTO – Two people in the United States have died in a growing outbreak of salmonella linked to cucumbers imported from Mexico, which have led to recalls throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that in addition to the two deaths, 341 others have become sick as the agency continues to investigate the outbreak of Salmonella Poona infections.
“341 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona have been reported from 30 states, an increase of 56 cases since the last update on September 4,” the CDC said in a statement. “Seventy ill people have been hospitalized, and two deaths have been reported from California and Texas.”
READ MORE: Cucumber recall in Canada expanded
Just over half of the reported cased involve children under the age of 18, the CDC said.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the Overwaitea Food Group based in B.C. is recalling field cucumbers linked to the outbreak sold at Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea and Freson Brothers stores in B.C. and Alberta.
The affected field cucumbers were sold unwrapped on or before Sept. 4, 2015.
Safeway recalled the cucumbers this week along with other in-store products, like salads, that could contain the cucumbers.
The CFIA says it is not aware of any reported illnesses in Canada associated with eating the cucumbers.
In the U.S., the cukes that tested positive for Salmonella were distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce and the company began a voluntary recall of its “Limited Edition” cucumbers.
“Consumers should not eat, restaurants should not serve, and retailers should not sell recalled cucumbers,” the CDC said on its website.
“If you aren’t sure if your cucumbers were recalled, ask the place of purchase or your supplier. When in doubt, don’t eat, sell, or serve them and throw them out.”
Symptoms caused by Salmonella include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramps. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections.
Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick and affect a wide range of food from pork and poultry to vegetables.
Comments