Cucumbers recalled from Metro Vancouver stores due to salmonella risk

Safeway and the Overwaitea Food Group are recalling field cucumbers and various associated in-store products that may be contaminated with salmonella.

Customers who purchased unwrapped field cucumbers on or before September 6 from Safeway, Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea, or Freson Brothers should not consume them and are being urged to dispose of them or return them to the store where they were purchased.

In addition, the recall includes various in-store Safeway products that contain cucumbers, including Greek salad, vegetable trays, sushi, and salads.

The cucumbers were distributed in Safeway stores in British Columbia (including over 20 Safeway stores in the Lower Mainland), Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, as well as at Overwaitea Food Group stores in B.C. and Alberta.

The recall first began with Safeway on September 6 but expanded to the Overwaitea stores on September 8.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, within six to 72 hours after being infected with salmonella, healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, chills, sudden-onset headaches, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at high risk for developing complications. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

According to the CFIA, no illnesses associated with the consumption of these products have been reported in Canada yet.

The recall may be associated with an outbreak in the U.S. The CFIA is conducting a food-safety investigation, and other products may be recalled.