The Coastal Companies Issues Voluntary Recall on Items With Fresh Start Cucumbers Due to the Potential for Salmonella Contamination
- No illnesses related to The Coastal Companies' products have been reported to date
- Company taking proactive measures with voluntary recall to ensure consumer safety
- Clear communication and guidance provided to consumers regarding affected products
- Potential Salmonella contamination in 17 different products
- Wide distribution across 13 states increases exposure risk
- 26 illnesses already reported in 15 states linked to Bedner's Farm cucumber recall
- Product destruction required, potentially affecting company's revenue and reputation
Insights
Sysco subsidiary's cucumber recall across 15 states could impact short-term distribution and consumer trust, despite no reported illnesses from their products.
The Coastal Companies, a subsidiary within Sysco's distribution network, has initiated a voluntary recall of 17 products containing cucumbers supplied by Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales. This action stems from potential Salmonella contamination affecting products distributed between May 6-21, 2025 across 12 eastern states.
What's particularly concerning is the FDA's report linking Bedner's Farm cucumbers to 26 illnesses across 15 states. While no illnesses have been directly attributed to The Coastal Companies' products specifically, this connection to a broader contamination event elevates the significance of this recall.
The product range affected is extensive, primarily involving prepared salsa products and ready-to-eat salads. These higher-margin, value-added items typically command premium pricing in the food service supply chain. The recall instructions are unambiguous - affected products must be destroyed rather than returned, indicating standard protocol for potential pathogenic contamination.
From a supply chain perspective, this recall demonstrates Sysco's robust traceability systems, enabling rapid identification of potentially contaminated products. However, the recall spans multiple retail brands including East Coast Fresh, TOPS, Wellsley Farms, WEIS, AHOLD, Jack and Olive, Created Fresh, and Spring and Sprout - suggesting widespread distribution across various retail channels.
Salmonella contamination in fresh produce represents a significant food safety concern, particularly for vulnerable populations. The recall timing during late spring (May) coincides with peak cucumber production season, potentially magnifying the commercial impact. While this recall represents a small fraction of Sysco's vast product portfolio, it highlights the ongoing food safety challenges in fresh produce supply chains that even sophisticated distributors face.
LAUREL, Md., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Coastal Companies is issuing a voluntary recall of 17 products that were produced from cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. due to the potential for Salmonella contamination. These products were distributed by East Coast Fresh in Laurel, MD and Hearn Kirkwood in Jessup, MD.
- If you find any of the affected products listed below in your possession, please record the number of cases and DESTROY THE PRODUCT. DO NOT RETURN.
- Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers should not eat, sell, or serve the recalled products containing those cucumbers.
- If you cannot tell if your products contain cucumbers, do not eat or use them. Throw them away.
The affected products were distributed between May 6, 2025, and May 21, 2025, to multiple customers in Washington D.C., Ohio, Virgina, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont and North Carolina.
UPC | PACK/SZ | BRAND | DESCRIPTION | ALL LOT CODES |
640344010282 | 1/16 OZ | East Coast Fresh | Fresh Mild Salsa | All Lot Codes |
640344012781 | 1/16 OZ | East Coast Fresh | Fresh Hot Salsa | All Lot Codes |
070784034140 | 1/16 OZ | TOPS | Salsa HOT TOPS (E) | All Lot Codes |
070784033846 | 1/16 OZ | TOPS | Fresh Salsa 1lb CUP | All Lot Codes |
888670065808 | 1/30 OZ | Wellsley Farms | Wellsley Farms Mild Salsa | All Lot Codes |
041497075959 | 1/16 OZ | WEIS | Salsa Mild WEIS | All Lot Codes |
688267031953 | 1/16 OZ | AHOLD | Salsa HOT AHOLD | All Lot Codes |
688267032523 | 1/16 OZ | AHOLD | Salsa 1#-AHOLD | All Lot Codes |
640344069624 | 1/16 OZ | East Coast Fresh | SALSA RETAIL 1# CUP | All Lot Codes |
766375251385 | 1/8 OZ | Jack and Olive | The House Salad | All Lot Codes |
766375241973 | 1/8 OZ | Created Fresh | The House Salad | All Lot Codes |
766375737018 | 1/8 OZ | Spring and Sprout | The House Salad | All Lot Codes |
766375241607 | 1/5.2 OZ | Created Fresh | Mini Garden Salad | All Lot Codes |
766375261681 | 1/5.76 OZ | Created Fresh | Chicken Salad on Everything Fecelle | All Lot Codes |
766375261698 | 1/5.76 OZ | Created Fresh | Egg Salad on Everything Fecelle | All Lot Codes |
766375261674 | 1/5.76 OZ | Created Fresh | Tuna Salad on Everything Fecelle | All Lot Codes |
766375253044 | 1/11.25 OZ | Created Fresh | Southwestern Breakfast Bowl | All Lot Codes |
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in otherwise healthy individuals. If you suspect you are infected with Salmonella, please contact a medical professional.
To date, no illnesses related to The Coastal Companies’ products have been reported. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports the Bedner’s Farm cucumber recall is linked to 26 illnesses in 15 states. No other products distributed by The Coastal Companies are being recalled. The Coastal Companies is working collaboratively with the FDA on this recall.
The Coastal Companies takes the safety and integrity of the products they distribute seriously. The Coastal Companies regrets any inconvenience and concerns this recall may cause. Customers with questions about the recall can contact ECFCCustomers@CoastalSunbelt.com or may call 410-133-8000.
Below are pictures of the packaging labels.
SYY-NEWS
CONTACT:
RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
713-703-4898
Photos accompanying this release are available at:
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