Fresh Creative Foods recalls meal kits due to salmonella-tainted cucumbers

Fresh Creative Foods has issued a voluntary recall of its Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits due to a potential salmonella contamination traced to cucumbers in the tzatziki sauce. The recall follows a broader safety alert initiated by Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., the supplier of the cucumbers, over concerns about health risks associated with the bacteria.

The affected kits, identified by UPC code 0-13454-38313-1, carry use-by dates ranging from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 and were distributed nationwide through Sam’s Club warehouses. Customers who purchased the kits are urged to discard them and visit their local Sam’s Club for a full refund.

Salmonella health risks detailed

Salmonella can cause severe infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps typically manifest 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and can persist for up to a week. In vulnerable populations, the infection may lead to hospitalization or even fatal outcomes.

Experts stress the importance of avoiding the recalled kits to minimise exposure. A representative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that salmonella outbreaks underscore the need for stringent safety measures in fresh produce supply chains.

Supplier under scrutiny

The recall shines a spotlight on Baloian Farms, a major supplier of cucumbers to food manufacturers. Baloian has yet to confirm the extent of the contamination but has been actively cooperating with health authorities to prevent further risks. Fresh Creative Foods, for its part, has ceased using cucumbers from Baloian Farms and pledged to enhance its quality assurance processes.

A food safety analyst commented, “This recall highlights a recurring issue in the fresh produce industry. Cross-contamination during handling or transportation is often the root cause of such outbreaks.”

What consumers should do

If you have purchased a Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kit with the affected UPC code, do not consume it. Even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, consuming contaminated food can pose significant health risks. Discard the product safely and seek a refund from Sam’s Club.

For additional information, customers can contact Fresh Creative Foods’ consumer service hotline. Authorities advise anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming the product to consult a healthcare provider immediately.