A multistate salmonella outbreak believed to be linked to cucumbers has infected at least 162 people and resulted in the hospitalization of 54, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The affected individuals span across 25 states, including Michigan, according to CBS News Detroit and Click On Detroit. While intensive testing is still underway to confirm the link between the cucumbers and the salmonella cases, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. proactively recalled their whole cucumbers grown in Florida and shipped to distribution centers and other sellers from May 17 through May 21.

The recall includes cucumbers catered to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in 14 states, not excluding the potential for these states to have further shipped or repackaged the vegetables, according to WXYZ Detroit. The states initially known to receive shipments are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, while Michigan, not originally on the list, has reported four illnesses tied to the breakout, so it's clear the impact of the outbreak spreads beyond just those preliminarily identified.

Regarding the recall, the cucumbers in question are dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2.0 inches in diameter and 5–9 inches in length; however, English cucumbers and mini cucumbers are not affected by this recall. The CDC is urging consumers to steer clear of the recalled product, destroy and discard it, or return it to the point of purchase for a refund. If one has recently purchased cucumbers and isn’t certain if they fall under the recall, the safest action is to not consume them. Further safety measures should include washing surfaces and items that might have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers, as per the agency's instructions.

Salmonella is not a germ to be taken lightly; it is responsible for approximately 1.3 million infections in the United States annually, leading to numerous hospitalizations and even death in extreme cases, symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can last up to a week. Children younger than five, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are especially at risk for more severe illness said health officials. More testing will determine if there is a definitive connection between this outbreak and the cucumbers, as well as if the strain found on the vegetables matches that which is causing illness in the reported cases; in the meantime, the health agencies continue to piece together this food safety puzzle and issue guidance to the public.