Over 6,400 sandwiches sold at Big Y stores across Massachusetts and Connecticut have been deemed potentially deadly by the FDA, prompting an urgent Class I recall due to salmonella contamination in cucumbers.
Key Takeaways
- The FDA has issued a Class I recall for Big Y made-to-order sandwiches, indicating a “reasonable probability” that consumption could cause serious health consequences or death
- Approximately 6,447 sandwiches sold on May 20-21, 2025, including subs, wraps, and paninis containing potentially contaminated cucumbers, are affected
- The contaminated cucumbers were supplied by Bedner Growers Inc. and distributed by Smartcuts
- No illnesses have been reported yet, but salmonella infection can cause severe illness requiring hospitalization and claims approximately 450 lives annually in the U.S.
Highest-Risk Food Recall Classification Issued
The Food and Drug Administration has classified Big Y’s recall of made-to-order sandwiches as Class I, their most serious designation. This classification indicates that there is a reasonable probability that consuming these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The affected items include any Made-To-Order Small Sub, Large Sub, 30″ Super Sub, Wrap, or Panini purchased on May 20 or May 21, 2025, at specific Big Y locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The sandwiches in question contain cucumbers that have been linked to a larger outbreak investigation involving Bedner Growers Inc. According to company records, approximately 6,447 potentially contaminated sandwich units were sold during the two-day period. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with these specific products, the severity of the recall classification underscores the serious nature of the potential contamination.
Widespread Store Impact and Company Response
The recall affects numerous Big Y World Class Markets locations, including stores in Pittsfield and North Adams, though the Great Barrington location is not involved. In response to the contamination threat, Big Y has taken swift action to protect consumers. The company has ceased operations in affected areas of the stores, discarded any remaining potentially contaminated products, and thoroughly sanitized all service lines and equipment that may have come into contact with the tainted cucumbers.
Customers who purchased any of the affected sandwiches are strongly advised to either dispose of them immediately or return them to the store for a full refund. The company’s voluntary recall demonstrates appropriate corporate responsibility in the face of a serious public health concern, though questions remain about how the contaminated produce made it into the food supply chain in the first place. A complete list of affected store locations is available on the FDA’s website for concerned consumers.
Serious Health Risks Associated with Salmonella
Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, poses significant health risks to consumers who may have purchased the contaminated sandwiches. Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 72 hours after infection and include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While most people recover without treatment within 4 to 7 days, the infection can be significantly more dangerous for young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
In severe cases, salmonella can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other body sites, potentially resulting in death if not promptly treated with antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States annually. Health officials advise anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming these sandwiches to seek immediate medical attention.
