The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent alert after cucumbers were linked to a growing salmonella outbreak. The contaminated produce has already affected dozens of people across several states, raising serious concerns about food safety.
What We Know About the Outbreak
According to the FDA, the salmonella strain detected in this outbreak is particularly aggressive. Health officials are working to trace the source of contamination, but early evidence points to cucumbers distributed in recent weeks.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include:
- Severe diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can contract salmonella, certain groups are particularly vulnerable:
- Young children
- The elderly
- Pregnant women
- Those with weakened immune systems
What You Should Do
The FDA recommends:
- Check your fridge for potentially contaminated cucumbers
- When in doubt, throw them out
- Wash all produce thoroughly before consumption
- Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms
Food safety experts emphasise that proper handling and cooking can significantly reduce the risk of salmonella infection.
