FDA designates Big Y’s sandwich recall as Class I, indicating high risk of serious health consequences or death from potential salmonella contamination in over 6,400 made-to-order items.
Key Takeaways
- Big Y has voluntarily recalled made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and paninis sold on May 20-21, 2025, in specific Connecticut and Massachusetts locations due to potential salmonella contamination from cucumbers supplied by Bedner Growers Inc.
- The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall, their highest risk designation, indicating potential for serious health consequences or death.
- Approximately 6,447 sandwich units are affected, though no illnesses have been reported so far.
- Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, with severe cases potentially requiring hospitalization or proving fatal.
- Customers who purchased affected products should dispose of them or return for a full refund.
High-Risk Recall Affects Thousands of Sandwiches
Big Y World Class Markets has initiated a voluntary recall of thousands of made-to-order sandwiches after the FDA designated it as a Class I recall – their most serious classification indicating potential for severe health consequences or death. The action involves approximately 6,447 units of made-to-order paninis, subs, and wraps sold on May 20 and May 21, 2025, at specific store locations throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. The contamination concerns stem from cucumbers distributed by Smartcuts that have been linked to the Bedner Growers Inc. Cucumber Outbreak investigation currently underway by federal health authorities.
Affected products include any Made-To-Order Small Sub, Large Sub, 30″ Super Sub, Wrap, or Panini purchased during the two-day period at the specified locations. Several Massachusetts stores are included in the recall, with Pittsfield and North Adams locations affected, while the Great Barrington location is not among those listed. The company has provided a complete list of all affected store locations through the FDA’s website to help customers determine if their purchases are part of the recall.
Salmonella Threat and Safety Measures
The recall stems from potential salmonella contamination, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms typically develop between 12 to 72 hours after infection and include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms generally last between four to seven days, with most healthy individuals recovering without specific treatment. However, the CDC warns that in some cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, leading to more severe complications requiring hospitalization.
Young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face particularly high risks from salmonella infection. The FDA notes that severe cases of salmonellosis can be fatal, with an estimated 450 deaths occurring annually in the United States from this foodborne illness. Though no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall so far, health officials still consider the threat significant enough to warrant the Class I designation, which is reserved for situations where there is reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious adverse health consequences.
Company Response and Consumer Advice
Big Y Foods has taken immediate action following identification of the contamination risk. The company has ceased operations in affected stores’ deli departments, discarded potentially contaminated products, and thoroughly sanitized all service lines and preparation areas. These comprehensive measures aim to eliminate any remaining contamination risk and restore consumer confidence in their food safety protocols. The grocery chain is cooperating fully with FDA officials as the broader cucumber outbreak investigation continues.
Customers who purchased any of the affected sandwich products are strongly advised to either dispose of them immediately or return them to the store of purchase for a full refund. Given the serious nature of salmonella infection, health officials recommend that individuals experiencing symptoms such as persistent fever, diarrhea, severe vomiting, or signs of dehydration should consult a healthcare provider promptly. Authorities emphasize that early medical intervention is particularly important for high-risk individuals including young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
