Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Recalled Cucumbers Expands Across 18 States
A growing salmonella outbreak has now affected at least 48 people across 18 U.S. states, with health officials tracing the source to contaminated cucumbers. These cucumbers were distributed widely, reaching hospitals, restaurants, cruise ships, and major retailers such as Target.
Outbreak Details and Scope
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that 16 of the infected individuals have been hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms. The contaminated cucumbers were grown by Florida-based Bedner Growers and distributed through Fresh Start Produce Sales. These cucumbers were available to consumers from April 29 through May 19.
Importantly, the outbreak is not limited to illnesses on land. Reports indicate that several individuals fell ill aboard six cruise ships that departed from U.S. ports between late March and mid-April. Because mild cases of salmonella often go unreported and investigation efforts face limitations, health officials believe the actual number of infected people is likely higher than the confirmed cases. As investigations continue, more states may report new cases.
Recalls and Affected Products
In response to the outbreak, multiple companies have issued recalls involving a variety of cucumber-related products. These include whole cucumbers as well as prepared foods such as salads, vegetable rolls, and salsas containing cucumbers. Major retailers, including Target, have proactively removed dozens of potentially contaminated items from their shelves as a precautionary step.
This recent outbreak was uncovered during a follow-up investigation related to a much larger salmonella outbreak in 2024. The earlier incident affected 551 people across 34 states and Washington, D.C., leading to 155 hospitalizations. Investigators connected that outbreak to untreated canal water used at farms operated by Bedner Growers and another Florida farm, Thomas Produce Company.
Investigation and Findings
The current investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found salmonella bacteria in a cucumber sample taken from a distribution center in Pennsylvania. Genetic analysis confirmed that this strain of salmonella matches the one responsible for the current illnesses. Additionally, multiple other salmonella strains were detected that align with samples in a federal pathogen database, prompting further investigation by CDC officials to determine if more illnesses correspond to these strains.
Symptoms and Risks of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella is a bacterium that causes foodborne illness characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and fever. Most healthy individuals recover within a week without requiring medical treatment. However, salmonella infection can be dangerous for certain populations, including young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. These groups often require hospitalization to manage severe symptoms or complications.
Federal agencies, including the CDC and FDA, strongly urge consumers to carefully check their refrigerators for any recalled cucumber products and discard them immediately to prevent further illness. Anyone who suspects they may have purchased or consumed contaminated cucumbers or cucumber-containing products should avoid eating them and follow recall instructions provided by retailers or public health authorities.
Consumers experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection are advised to seek medical care promptly. Timely treatment is especially important for vulnerable populations at greater risk of severe illness.
Ongoing Efforts and Food Safety Implications
The CDC and FDA continue to collaborate with state and local health departments to track the spread of the outbreak and prevent additional cases. This outbreak highlights the persistent challenges in maintaining food safety, especially with fresh produce that passes through multiple stages of farming, distribution, and retail.
It also underscores the critical importance of strict sanitation and safety protocols in agriculture, particularly concerning water sources used in growing crops. Untreated or contaminated water can introduce harmful pathogens like salmonella, leading to widespread outbreaks.
Consumers and businesses alike must remain vigilant in food safety practices, including proper washing of produce, monitoring supply chains, and swiftly responding to recalls. Ongoing education and regulatory oversight remain essential to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
