In what might be the most unexpected twist in your summer salad, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., a Florida company, has issued a recall of cucumbers due to a salmonella risk. Yes, you read that right. Just when you thought it was safe to consume your healthy greens, the cucumbers have gone rogue.

The recall affects cucumbers shipped to an impressive 14 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. This means a significant portion of the country now has one more thing to worry about besides their kid's summer break activities. The potentially infectious cucumbers were shipped from May 17 through May 21, 2024.

It all started when the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture discovered salmonella in a product sample, proving once again that nothing gets past the ever-vigilant Keystone State. The FDA is now conducting whole-genome sequencing to determine if these wayward cucumbers are linked to an ongoing salmonella outbreak involving 141 people.

Consumers who find themselves in possession of the suspicious vegetables are advised to discard or return them for a refund. Yes, even those who believe in the “five-second rule” should not tempt fate this time. To identify the culprits, these cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and five to nine inches long. Mini and English cucumbers, however, have received a free pass and are not included in the recall.

Salmonella infection can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms are far from pleasant, including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It's like a summer vacation you never asked for.

To add another layer of diligence, the FDA suggests checking with your local retailers to see if they stock cucumbers from Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. The FDA also noted that the products are unlikely still in stores, but given the love-hate relationship many have with grocery shopping, a bit of extra confirmation never hurts.

In summary, this is your official cucumber cautionary tale. Check your cucumbers, stay informed, and for the love of greens, be vigilant about what ends up in your salad bowl. After all, shopping for produce is supposed to be the easy part of adulting.