Illinois Cucumber Recall Has Been Raised to Highest Risk Level

The recalled whole cucumbers have now been designated to the highest risk level. The Class I designation from the FDA means that the use of or exposure to a product could "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

Nationwide Cucumber Recall

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Whole cucumbers produced by Fresh Start Produce Sales were recalled on May 23 due to salmonella in the product.

The contaminated cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and 5 to 9 inches long. The only cucumbers mentioned that are not included in the recall are mini and English cucumbers.

The multi-state recall that included Illinois has now been updated to a Class I risk level, the highest, issued when there is a "reasonable probability" that the use of or exposure to a product could "cause serious adverse health consequences or death", according to Newsweek.

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States included in the nationwide cucumber recall are:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia

While the investigation continues, some states in the initial recall have been removed from the highest-risk list.

Illinois is NOT one of the states on the high-risk list. The high-risk list includes Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. However, according to the FDA's original release, the product was shipped to Illinois.

If you have a cucumber in your refrigerator and you think you may be contaminated, you're urged to destroy it and then throw it away. You can also return it to the store where you purchased it and get a refund.

If you think you may have already eaten a contaminated cucumber, these are the symptoms of a salmonella infection.

• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Fever

You could start to see symptoms anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after eating or being exposed. Most people recover within a few days. Anyone under a year old, over 65, or with a compromised immune system could get seriously ill.

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I'm keeping a close eye on this recall as I don't want one of these tainted cucumbers to become the pickle on my Chicago Dog.