SunFed Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak: What You Need to Know About a Lawsuit

The recent SunFed cucumber Salmonella outbreak has affected at least 68 people across 19 states, leaving many victims grappling with severe symptoms and, for at least 18 people, hospitalization. For those impacted by this outbreak, understanding its scope and your legal rights is critical. At Pritzker Hageman, we are experienced in representing victims of Salmonella outbreaks and other foodborne illnesses, and we’re here to help you seek justice and compensation for your suffering.

What Happened?

On November 27th, SunFed issued their recall notice and on November 29th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their investigation notice to include a case count and timeline of this Salmonella outbreak.

The outbreak has so far sickened people in the following states (# of cases):

This is a widespread outbreak, with illness onset dates ranging from October 12, 2024, to November 16, 2024. Victims range in age from less than one year to 98 years old, underscoring the serious risk posed to vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

What Is Salmonella, and Why Is This Outbreak Significant?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea

In severe cases, Salmonella infection can lead to complications such as dehydration, septicemia (infection spreading to the bloodstream), and long-term conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The hospitalization rate in this outbreak is alarmingly high—36% of confirmed cases—indicating the virulence of the strain involved. These numbers are particularly concerning because the outbreak affected high-risk groups in specific sub-clusters: two assisted living facilities, three school districts, and one restaurant.

Source of the Outbreak

Investigations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the contaminated cucumbers to Agrotato, S.A. de C.V., a grower located in Sonora, Mexico.

While the contaminated cucumbers have been recalled, there’s a chance that some people may still have them in their homes.

How to Identify Affected Cucumbers:

The affected cucumbers are whole fresh American cucumbers and can be identified by the following characteristics:

• Labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name, “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.”
• Sold between October 12, 2024 and November 26, 2024
• Cucumbers may have a sticker showing “SunFed Mexico”

What if you Have Recalled SunFed Cucumbers?

If you suspect you have these cucumbers, it is crucial to:

1. Remove the Cucumbers from where they can be accessed.
   • If you or your family are not sick: Discard Them Immediately.
   • If you suspect you or a family member has been sickened with Salmonella: Store them in a sealed bag or container in your freezer. This could serve as evidence for your case.
2. Thoroughly Clean and Sanitize Areas Where the Cucumbers Were Stored

Cross-contamination is a significant risk factor in these cases, as Salmonella bacteria can transfer to other surfaces, utensils, and foods.

Who Is Responsible?

When food products cause harm, accountability lies with several parties in the supply chain, including growers, distributors, and retailers. In this case, the responsibility starts with Agrotato, S.A. de C.V., but may extend to SunFed and the stores that sold the contaminated cucumbers.

Have You Been Affected?

If you or a loved one has experienced symptoms of Salmonella infection after consuming cucumbers, you may be part of this outbreak. Common symptoms of Salmonella infection include:

• Fever
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea that may be bloody

These symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to a week after exposure. Severe symptoms or complications warrant immediate medical attention.

What Should You Do if You’re a Victim?

1. Seek Medical Care
   Your health should be your first priority. Visit your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms. They can confirm a Salmonella diagnosis through a stool sample and provide appropriate treatment.
2. Make Sure the Health Department Has Been Notified
   Ask your doctor if they notified the health department of your Salmonella diagnosis. If they did not, contact your local health department yourself. For a legal case, it can be important that a stool sample is tested to determine if your case of Salmonella is linked to this outbreak.
3. Document Everything
   Keep records of:
   • Medical visits and treatments
   • Dates and times of symptoms
   • Foods consumed leading up to your illness
4. Preserve Evidence
   If you still have cucumbers from SunFed or their packaging, store them in a sealed bag or container in your freezer. This could serve as evidence for your case.
5. Contact an Experienced Food Safety Attorney
   Pursuing legal action may not only help you recover damages but also hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Why Choose Pritzker Hageman to Handle Your Lawsuit?

At Pritzker Hageman, we are leaders in food safety litigation, having successfully represented hundreds of clients in many high-profile foodborne illness outbreaks. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for victims across the country, including those affected by Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria outbreaks.

We understand the pain and uncertainty that victims and their families endure during these difficult times. That’s why we are committed to:

• Providing compassionate and personalized representation
• Leveraging our extensive experience and resources to build a strong case
• Fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve

What Compensation Could You Be Entitled To?

Victims of foodborne illness outbreaks may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term complications resulting from the illness

Our team will evaluate your case to determine the full scope of damages you have suffered.

How to Contact Us

If you believe you’ve been affected by the SunFed cucumber Salmonella outbreak, don’t wait—contact Pritzker Hageman today. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Call us at 1-888-377-8900 or fill out the contact form below to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced food safety attorneys.