U.S. officials are advising against the consumption, sale, or serving of cucumbers grown in Florida, as they investigate a multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to these products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are looking into Bedner Growers, Inc. based in Boynton Beach, Florida, as a source of the cucumber-related salmonella infections. These cucumbers were associated with Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. in Del Rey, Florida.
The agencies are urging restaurants, retailers, and distributors to inform customers about potential health risks stemming from cucumbers bought between April 29 and May 19.
To date, 26 individuals across 15 states have fallen ill with salmonella, with nine requiring hospitalization, as reported by the FDA. Among the 13 individuals interviewed, 11 had consumed cucumbers. The last reported illness occurred on April 28, but fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded.
During testing in April, the FDA detected salmonella in environmental samples taken from Bedner Growers, matching those found in affected individuals. This testing was part of a follow-up related to a previous salmonella outbreak in 2024, which resulted in 551 infections and 155 hospitalizations across 34 states and Washington, D.C.
According to the Associated Press, the earlier outbreak was traced back to untreated water utilized by Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Company.
Symptoms of salmonella typically manifest within 12 to 72 hours of consuming contaminated food, as indicated by the FDA. These symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, may face more severe symptoms.
