Baloian Farms of Arizona Co. has issued a recall of cucumbers due to potential contamination with Salmonella, a bacteria that poses significant health risks. As a precautionary measure, Fresh Creative Foods has voluntarily recalled one of its products, which contains cucumbers in the tzatziki sauce included in the Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits.
The specific product affected by the recall is the Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kit, which carries the UPC code 0-13454-38313-1. These meal kits, with a use-by date between December 24, 2024, and January 6, 2025, were distributed to Sam’s Club warehouses across the United States.
Salmonella is a dangerous pathogen that can lead to severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection typically appear between 12 and 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and usually last between four to seven days. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In some cases, the infection can be serious or even fatal, especially for those most at risk, including children under the age of five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
In response to the recall, Fresh Creative Foods has confirmed that it is no longer sourcing cucumbers from the affected supplier. The company is taking steps to ensure that no further products containing potentially contaminated cucumbers are distributed.
Consumers who have purchased the affected Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits are strongly advised not to consume any part of the product. If you are unsure whether the product you purchased is part of the recall, it is recommended that you discard it and visit any Sam’s Club store for a full refund.
For more information regarding this recall or if you have any concerns, consumers are encouraged to contact Fresh Creative Foods directly at the phone number provided by the company. It is essential to follow these precautions to avoid any potential health risks associated with the contaminated cucumbers.
Fresh Creative Foods takes consumer safety seriously and is working closely with regulatory authorities to resolve the situation promptly. The company urges consumers to remain vigilant about food safety and recalls and to follow proper food handling and storage guidelines to prevent foodborne illness.
In the meantime, those who have already consumed the affected meal kits and are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps should seek medical attention, especially if they belong to high-risk groups. Salmonella infections can sometimes lead to complications such as dehydration or more severe illnesses, making timely medical care essential for those affected.
Consumers who wish to stay informed about recalls can regularly check resources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provide updates on food safety and related matters. These organizations play an important role in public health by monitoring outbreaks and ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply.
Fresh Creative Foods has assured consumers that they are taking all necessary steps to address the situation, including discontinuing the use of cucumbers from the implicated supplier. The company is committed to upholding the highest standards of food safety and quality and is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
If you have any questions about the recall or need further assistance, please reach out to Fresh Creative Foods at their provided contact number. Your safety is their priority, and they are dedicated to resolving this issue in a timely and effective manner.
For those who are concerned about foodborne illnesses, it’s important to remember that food safety practices, such as proper handwashing, cooking food to the appropriate temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination, are key to preventing the spread of harmful pathogens like Salmonella.