Salmonella Epidemic Brings 2 Deaths, 70 People Hospitalized; CDC Warns Public About Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumbers

By Alex Cruz | Sep 10, 2015 06:02 AM EDT

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The salmonella outbreak, related to Mexico-grown cucumbers, already brought two deaths n the United States. Furthermore, health officials said that 70 individuals have been hospitalized and a total of 341 people sickened, CNN reported.

The reported deaths were from Texas and California, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The organization warns the public about these cucumbers distributed to over 30 states.

CDC said that the cucumbers were shipped in a green-and-black cardboard box. NBC News learned the boxes were labeled "Limited Edition Pole Grown Cucumber."

Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce has reportedly recalled the product that could be affected with Salmonella poona.

The number of Salmonella cases are growing and with this, CDC warns the consumers to be mindful of what they eat. Those recalled cucumbers should not be eaten, served in the restaurants or sold by the retailers.

CDC added that if the consumers were not sure if the purchased cucumbers were recalled, they should go back to the place of purchase or the supplier.

Labels on the recalled cucumbers' cases reportedly indicate that they were grown and packed in Mexico, by Rancho Don Juanito. It has been also reported that cucumbers grown domestically are not believed to be involved in the salmonella epidemic.

In Canada, cucumbers purchased in Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea and Freson Brothers in B.C. and Alberta were recalled for possible salmonella contagion, according to CBC News.

Additionally, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency reportedly issued a recall order for field cucumbers in smaller stores in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon.  

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States, as per Foodsafety.gov. If infected, the person will experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever.

It can be acquired from contaminated poultry, meat, raw vegetables, fruits, unpasteurized juice and milk. Pasteurization and cooking can kill the bacteria.

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