Sandwich Recall Hits Big Y Stores: FDA Warns of Deadly Contamination

A major recall has been issued for Big Y’s made-to-order sandwiches due to a salmonella contamination. The FDA has escalated the recall to the highest risk level, Class I, warning consumers of serious health risks. If you purchased sandwiches from Big Y on May 20 or May 21, 2025, you may be at risk.

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Big Y sandwich recall
Big Y sandwich recall. credit : shutterstock | en.Econostrum.info - United States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised the alert level of a recent sandwich recall to Class I, the highest risk level, following concerns over salmonella contamination. 

This move signals the potential for serious health consequences or even death from consuming affected products. The recall impacts made-to-order subs, wraps, and paninis sold at Big Y locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut in May 2025.

The recalled sandwiches were prepared with cucumbers supplied by Bedner Growers Inc., which is under investigation for salmonella contamination. 

As of the latest update, approximately 6,500 units of these sandwiches were sold before the recall was issued. The FDA’s warning serves as a crucial reminder of the health risks associated with foodborne illnesses, especially during the summer months when outbreaks are more common.

Impact of Salmonella and Vulnerable Populations

Salmonella is a bacterium that causes gastrointestinal illness. According to the FDA, symptoms of salmonellosis typically appear between 12 to 72 hours after exposure and include fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. 

While most people recover within a week, in severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to hospitalisation and, in rare instances, death.

Certain groups, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk. The CDC estimates that 450 deaths occur annually in the U.S. due to salmonella infections. With this in mind, the FDA’s classification of the Big Y sandwich recall as Class I underscores the severity of the potential health risk.

The contamination is linked to cucumbers distributed by Bedner Growers Inc., which has been under investigation since early June

Big Y acted swiftly, halting operations at affected stores, discarding products within the service line, and thoroughly cleaning the areas involved. The company also offered full refunds to customers who had purchased the affected products.

What Consumers Need to Know

If you purchased a made-to-order sandwich from Big Y on May 20 or May 21, 2025, the FDA advises that you immediately return the product to the store or contact Big Y for a full refund. 

Though it is unlikely that many of these sandwiches are still in customers’ possession, it is recommended that consumers check their freezers for any stored sandwiches.

For further information or to report concerns, consumers are urged to contact Big Y Foods directly via email (wecare@bigy.com) or customer service hotline (1-800-828-2688). 

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