# Major Recall Alert: Salads, Salsas, and Other Products Containing Fresh Cucumbers Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
If you’ve recently purchased freshly prepared salads or salsas, it’s time to double-check your fridge. The Coastal Companies has issued a **voluntary recall of 17 products** that may be contaminated with Salmonella. These products, which use cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., pose a serious health risk. Stay informed about the details of this recall to protect your family and loved ones.
## Why This Recall is Important
Salmonella contamination is a significant public health concern. This bacterium can cause **severe illness** in individuals, especially young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (which may contain blood)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
While no illnesses directly linked to The Coastal Companies’ products have been reported yet, the FDA has confirmed that the Bedner’s Farm cucumber recall is associated with **26 illnesses in 15 states**. Taking immediate precautions and removing affected products can prevent harm.
## Details of the Recall
Here’s everything you need to know about the current recall:
- **Brand Names**: East Coast Fresh, TOPS, Wellsley Farms, WEIS, AHOLD, Jack and Olive, Created Fresh, Spring and Sprout
- **Affected Products**: Various fresh salads, salsas, and products containing salsa with cucumbers.
- **Distributed By**: East Coast Fresh, Laurel, MD; Hearn Kirkwood, Jessup, MD
- **Distribution Areas**:
- **States Affected**: Washington D.C., Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont, North Carolina
- **Distribution Dates**: Between May 6, 2025, and May 21, 2025
If you live in one of these areas and purchased fresh salads or salsas under the brands listed, verify the packaging label and discard any product in question.
For detailed product labels, visit the **FDA’s official recall page**: [FDA Recall Details](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/coastal-companies-issues-voluntary-recall-items-fresh-start-cucumbers-due-potential-salmonella).
## What You Should Do
To ensure your safety, take the following steps immediately:
- **Check Your Refrigerator**: Identify any potentially affected products based on the details and distribution dates.
- **Dispose of Affected Products**: If you have a recalled item, do not consume it. Place it in a sealed bag and throw it away to prevent contamination.
- **Monitor for Symptoms**: If you or someone in your household has consumed one of these products and experiences Salmonella symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
- **Contact for Questions**: For more information, reach out to *The Coastal Companies* via email at **ECFCCustomers@CoastalSunbelt.com** or call **410-133-8000**.
## Stay Safe – Get Instant Recall Alerts
Food recalls like this underscore the importance of staying vigilant about the safety of the products you consume. The Coastal Companies remains committed to consumer safety and deeply regrets the inconvenience caused by this recall.
To ensure you’re always informed, download our **Food Recall App** today. Get instant notifications about product recalls and stay one step ahead in protecting your household. Don’t leave safety to chance!
Stay updated, stay safe. Together, we can prevent foodborne illnesses.
For more information on the recall, visit the [FDA Official Recall Notice](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/coastal-companies-issues-voluntary-recall-items-fresh-start-cucumbers-due-potential-salmonella).