A lawsuit against cucumber importer and distributor Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce has been filed.
Since August 21, 2015, the Alaska Division of Public Health (ADPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been investigating a cluster of Salmonella Poona infections in Alaska. This investigation is connected to a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Poona cases linked to cucumbers imported from Mexico.
Initially, the state reported a case of “unknown source” with onset of symptoms on August 2, 2015. On August 28, ADPH confirmed three additional cases of Salmonella Poona associated with this cluster. By September 4, the state had confirmed a total of 10 cases.
The ADPH investigation suggested an association with eating cucumbers, “among other potential exposures.” This, along with the mounting evidence obtained from Salmonella cases nationwide, “supports the role of recalled cucumbers from Mexico as the source of this outbreak,” according to ADPH. The recalled cucumbers were imported and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce (A&W).
ADPH has not made public the name of the retailer or restaurant associated with the illnesses.
Deli Sandwich Recall in Alaska Due to Risk of Salmonella from Cucumbers
Safeway issued a voluntary recall of made-to-order deli sandwiches sold at certain Carrs and Safeway stores in Alaska that may be contaminated with Salmonella Poona. This recall was made after cucumbers used in the sandwiches were recalled by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce.
Sandwiches were sold from August 1 through September 4 from the full-service sandwich counter at the following stores:
- Carrs at 1725 Abbott Rd., Anchorage, AK 99507
- Carrs at 1650 W Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99517
- Carrs at 5600 Debarr Rd., Anchorage, AK 99504
- Carrs at 1340 Gambell St., Anchorage, AK 99501
- Carrs at 1501 Huffman Rd., Anchorage, AK 99515
- Safeway at 1907 Seward Hwy., Seward, AK 99664
- Safeway at 1313 Meals St., Valdez, AK 99686
- Safeway at 90 Sterling Hwy., Homer, AK 99603
- Safeway at 301 N Santa Claus Ln., North Pole, AK 99705
To date, no illnesses have been associated with these or any Safeway or Carrs sandwiches. Safeway recalled the sandwiches out of an abundance of caution.
Customers who purchased the recalled sandwiches from the above-listed stores should discard or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.