FDA issues urgent cucumber recall over fears they ‘could cause death’ following tests

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall over a batch of cucumbers over grave fears they 'could cause death'.

It was announced on Tuesday (July 8) that the FDA had upgraded an earlier alert for a recall of 71 boxes of fresh cucumbers from Fuentes Farms.

Experts believe the produce were potentially contaminated with Salmonella, a potentially dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning and in extreme cases be deadly if the infection spreads to the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, a fever, and stomach cramps.

The cucumber stock was sold at flea markets across the McAllen and Alamo areas of Texas, with experts warning the bacteria could easily spread to other foods if the cucumbers were handled by buyers and sellers without taking the necessary hygiene precautions.

The cucumbers were distributed and sold between May 31 and June 3.

An urgent recall of cucumbers has been issued (Getty Stock Photo)

A press release from the FDA states: "Fuentes Farms of McAllen, Texas is recalling 71 Boxes of Fresh Cucumbers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

"Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

"In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis."

Fuentes Farms added in a statement: "Consumers who believe they may have purchased cucumbers from Lot #357 are advised to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase."

Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported with those who have been in contact with the cucumber batch and officials haven't discovered any widespread Salmonella cases.

The cucumbers in question (FDA)

The FDA obviously have big concerns however, after issuing the most severe type of recall, Class I, on the cucumbers.

The recall means the cucumbers have immediately been removed from markets, while consumers are being urged to throw out or return the cucumbers as soon as possible.

The FDA press release added: "Fuentes Farms LLC is notifying all customers and urging anyone who may have purchased the item at the flea market or sold cucumbers from Lot # 357.

"If you purchased cucumbers at the flea market with this label, during the specified dates of May 31st to June 3rd discontinue sale or consumption of the product."