A recent salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has prompted a nationwide recall, affecting consumers across multiple states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning as cases continue to emerge, emphasizing the widespread nature of the contamination.
The FDA announced the recall of cucumbers cultivated by Bedner Growers in South Florida, with harvesting dates between April 29 and May 19. These cucumbers were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales to various outlets nationwide, including retailers and food service distributors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the outbreak has resulted in 26 illnesses across 15 states, with nine hospitalizations. The affected states include Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
According to the FDA, the outbreak involves a strain of Salmonella Montevideo, a bacterium that impacts the intestinal tract. The agency’s investigation identified Bedner Growers as the common source, following positive environmental samples that matched clinical data from those infected.
Bedner Growers, acknowledging the serious health risk posed by salmonella, stated, “FDA’s traceback investigation has identified Bedner Growers, Inc. as the common grower of cucumbers in this current outbreak.” The company is conducting the recall “in an abundance of caution, and out of deep respect for the public health.”
Advice for Consumers
The FDA advises those who have purchased cucumbers to verify their origin. If unsure whether the cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers, it is recommended to discard them. Additionally, when dining out, individuals should inquire if the cucumbers used are from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales to prevent potential exposure.
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who have handled the cucumbers should sanitize all surfaces and containers that the cucumbers may have touched. The FDA has instructed that any purchases of the affected cucumbers between April 29 and May 19 should be communicated to customers, and all related areas sanitized.
Prevention and Food Safety
For general food safety, the CDC suggests several measures: frequent handwashing, rinsing fruits and vegetables, separating uncooked items from raw meat, and refrigerating perishables promptly. These steps are part of broader food safety guidelines meant to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Tracing the Spread
According to the FDA’s outbreak map, states such as Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida have reported the highest number of cases. Some contaminated cucumbers were sold at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in Florida but have since been removed. A Bedner Growers spokesperson confirmed, “The current products you’ll find today at the markets are completely unaffected by this recall.”
The FDA continues to trace the affected cucumbers, which were labeled as supers, selects, or plains, to ensure comprehensive communication with distributors and consumers. Fresh Start Produce Sales has contacted its wholesale and distribution network to facilitate the recall process.
Understanding the Outbreak
Salmonella is a significant cause of foodborne illnesses in the United States, with the CDC estimating around 1.35 million infections annually. Infections are more frequent during warmer months when food is more likely to be left unrefrigerated. While often associated with raw meats and eggs, fresh produce like cucumbers can also harbor the bacteria if contaminated during processing. Recent years have seen several cucumber-related salmonella recalls, emphasizing the need for vigilance in food safety practices.
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