- Recall Date: Announced June 13, 2025
- FDA Publication: by FDA on June 16, 2025
- Company: Fuentes Farms LLC, McAllen, Texas
- Product: Fresh cucumbers in 40 lb. bushel boxes
- Issue: Possible Salmonella contamination
- Distribution: Sold via local vendors at flea markets in McAllen and Alamo, Texas
- Lot Number: 357 (marked on Fuentes Farm label with black background)
- Action to Take: Stop sale/consumption, dispose of, or return product
Stick around to find out more about this recall — should your next salad worry you?
What Happened?
Fuentes Farms LLC has issued a voluntary recall of 71 boxes of fresh cucumbers over concerns that they may be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacterium known to cause foodborne illness.
The affected cucumbers were sold between May 31 and June 3 at flea markets in McAllen and Alamo, Texas. The potential contamination was detected through routine internal testing, prompting an immediate recall and a temporary halt in production and distribution.
Brand | Product | Size | Lot # | Best By | Issue |
Fuentes Farms Inc | Fresh Cucumbers | 40 lb. bushel box | 357 | N/A | Salmonella contamination risk |
What Caused the Issue?
The recall stems from the discovery of Salmonella in a routine sampling conducted by Fuentes Farms. While the source of contamination has not yet been confirmed, Salmonella can enter the food chain through unsanitary water, contact with contaminated surfaces, or improper handling during harvest or packaging.
This bacterium is no minor inconvenience—it poses serious health risks, especially to:
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems
For healthy adults, symptoms may be unpleasant but manageable. However, the vulnerable populations listed above may suffer severe complications if infected.
Typical symptoms of Salmonella infection include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
In rare cases, the infection may spread to the bloodstream, leading to more serious conditions such as:
- Arterial infections
- Endocarditis
- Arthritis
To date, no illnesses have been reported, and this recall is not linked to any current outbreak, but consumers are urged to act with caution.
10 Common Customer Questions You Might Have
- Is it safe to eat cucumbers I bought at a flea market recently?
Only if they’re not part of Lot #357. Check the label or contact Fuentes Farms to confirm. - What does Lot #357 mean?
It’s a code printed on the box that identifies the specific batch involved in the recall. - What should I do if I already ate some of the cucumbers?
Monitor for symptoms. If you experience fever, nausea, or diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider. - Are there any confirmed cases of illness?
No illnesses have been reported so far. - Where were the recalled cucumbers sold?
Local flea markets in McAllen and Alamo, Texas. - Can I return the cucumbers for a refund?
Yes, Fuentes Farms advises customers to return or discard the product. Contact them directly for details. - How long does Salmonella take to show symptoms?
Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after consuming contaminated food. - What should wholesalers or vendors do?
Stop selling the product immediately and inform customers who may have purchased it. - Could this affect other produce from the same vendor?
The recall currently only applies to Lot #357, but thorough sanitization and traceability checks are advised. - How can I stay updated on food recalls like this?
Subscribe to FDA alerts or follow Source86 for weekly food recall updates.
Here’s What You Should Do
If you suspect you purchased the recalled cucumbers, follow these steps:
- Check the box label for Lot #357 and Fuentes Farm branding on a black background
- Size: 40 lb. bushel box marked “vegetables”
- Purchase location: Flea markets in McAllen or Alamo, TX between May 31–June 3
- Next steps: Do not consume. Dispose of or return to the point of purchase
- Contact Fuentes Farms:
- Phone: 1-956-340-8653 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–2 PM CDT)
- Email: [email protected]
Behind the Brand
Fuentes Farms LLC, based in McAllen, Texas, is a smaller-scale grower and distributor, primarily active in local markets and flea markets.
This is the first recall publicly reported by the company. However, it adds to a broader pattern of Salmonella-related produce recalls in recent weeks, including:
- On June 6, 2025, the FDA published a recall alert from August Egg Company, recalling 1.7 million dozen brown shell eggs due to potential contamination with Salmonella enteritidis.
- TGD Cuts, LLC, a Jessup, Maryland-based fresh-cut produce supplier, issued a voluntary recall of several cucumber-containing products, citing possible contamination with Salmonella.
- On May 28, 2025, Isabelle’s Kitchen, Inc. recalled 946 cases of its refrigerated deli salads due to possible Salmonella contamination.
- On May 26, 2025, Supreme Service Solutions LLC (a.k.a. Supreme Produce) voluntarily recalled a slew of fresh veggie and salad trays made with cucumbers because of possible contamination with Salmonella.
- On May 22, 2025, The Coastal Companies issued a voluntary product recall after discovering that fresh cucumbers used in 17 of their products could be contaminated with Salmonella.
“Even a single contaminated batch can lead to a major recall. This case highlights why traceability, rigorous safety checks, and open supplier communication are essential to protect consumers and preserve trust,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
These recurring issues highlight how vulnerable fresh produce is to contamination without proper sanitation protocols in place.
Ensuring Safe Eats
Recalls like this aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a wake-up call for suppliers and food businesses to double down on safety, traceability, and compliance. One contaminated shipment can put consumers at risk and disrupt the entire supply chain.
For co-manufacturers, importers, and private-label brands, it’s a reminder of the need for stringent supplier vetting, routine batch testing, and transparent recall communication.
What to do with the recalled cucumbers?
Dispose of them safely or return them to the point of purchase. Better safe than Salmonella’d.
Looking for clean, traceable produce or better risk management strategies? Let’s talk. Our team is here to help you source smarter, safer ingredients—no contamination drama required.
