- Date Issued: November 29, 2024
- FDA Publish Date: December 02, 2024
- Company Name: Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., Inc.
- Product Name: Whole Fresh American Cucumbers (Pamela brand and PamPak)
- Reason: Potential contamination with Salmonella
- Details: Distributed across 19 U.S. states, Canada, and foodservice outlets. Sold between October 12, 2024, and November 26, 2024.
- Action: Do not consume, serve, or sell; contact customer service for more information.
Stick around to learn what led to this recall and why it matters to the produce industry. Shall we?
What happened?
Baloian Farms of Arizona Co., Inc., announced the recall of whole fresh American cucumbers under the Pamela and PamPak brands due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Brand | Product | Size/Packaging | Upc | Distributed | Issue |
Pamela & Pam Pak | Whole Fresh American Cucumbers | Bulk cardboard or PamPak bag | 825401070106 | Oct 12- Nov 26, 2024 | Salmonella Risk |
Distribution:
- Shipped to 19 U.S. states including California, Arizona, Texas, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Colorado, Kansas, New York, Massachusetts, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Alaska and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.
- Reached food service outlets and retail stores, potentially extending beyond listed regions.
What caused the issue?
The contamination was caused by Salmonella, a harmful bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and abdominal pain. While healthy individuals typically recover within a week, at-risk groups—including young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals—are more vulnerable to severe complications like sepsis, arterial infections, or reactive arthritis. Although no victims have been officially confirmed in this recall, the significant health risks associated with Salmonella necessitated immediate action to protect public safety.
Here’s what you should do
To ensure your safety, follow these steps:
- Check the label: Look for “Pamela” or “PamPak” branding and the UPC 8 2540107010 6.
- Do not consume: Discard affected products or return them to the point of purchase.
- Sanitize surfaces: Clean areas that may have come into contact with the cucumbers.
- Contact Baloian Farms: Call 888-840-6642 (M-F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST) for more information.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, always double-check with your retailer!
Behind the brand
Baloian Farms has long been a trusted supplier of fresh produce. While this is the first recall for the PamPak cucumbers, the incident underscores the critical need for stringent food safety standards across the supply chain. The issue surfaced after Baloian’s supplier, Agrotato, S.A. de C.V., was linked to reported Salmonella illnesses. These weren’t the only cucumbers recalled due to this issue, SunFed also announced the same type of claim.
“Addressing a recall effectively shows your commitment to safety and transparency. Swift action isn’t just damage control—it’s a chance to reinforce trust in your brand’s values.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
The cucumber recall highlights a vital lesson for the food industry: proactive safety measures save lives and reputations—partner with suppliers prioritizing safety and compliance. A single recall can damage a company’s reputation, leading to long-term loyalty challenges and skepticism from buyers. Financially, the effects ripple through the supply chain, creating substantial losses for manufacturers, wholesale buyers, distributors, and food service operations. Baloian Farms’ swift action demonstrates accountability, but it also reminds us why regular testing and audits are critical in preventing these situations.
Need a reliable partner for top-quality ingredients? Contact our team to explore safe and trusted solutions for your supply chain or explore our ingredient catalog! Together, let’s raise the bar on food safety.
