FDA: Cucumbers from McAllen Farm recalled for potential salmonella contamination

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Fuentes Farms LLC., located in McAllen, is recalling 71 boxes of fresh cucumbers due to potential contamination with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recalled product was distributed in Texas by local vendors in flea markets located in the McAllen and Alamo area.

The affected product bears the Fuentes Farm label with lot number 357. The boxes are 40 lbs, 1-1/9-bushel boxes, which have a black background and are labeled with vegetables in red lettering.

According to the FDA, Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, a Salmonella infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis, the FDA explains.

The recall of the cucumbers was a result of a routine sampling program from the company, where it was revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria, the FDA informed.

At this time, the company has stopped the production and distribution of the product as the FDA and Fuentes Farms LLC. conduct an investigation of what caused the outbreak.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall; however, out of an abundance of caution, Fuentes Farms LLC., is notifying its customers and urging those who purchased the item from a flea market or lot number 357.

Those who bought cucumbers with the label during the dates of May 31 to June 3 are urged to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase.

For additional information or customer inquiries, contact Fuentes Farms LLC at (956) 340-8653 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. or through email.