Camilla Jessen
If you’ve purchased cucumbers recently, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a joint warning following a growing Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers sold in multiple U.S. states.
The cucumbers, distributed between April 29 and May 19, may have already reached your local grocery store or food service provider.
Who’s Behind the Recall?
The contaminated cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.
These cucumbers were sent to retailers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service providers nationwide.
Aside from three Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets in Florida, the exact list of affected grocery stores remains unclear.
Consumers are urged to contact their store of purchase to determine whether their cucumbers are part of the recall.
The affected cucumbers were sold individually or in small packages, so pay close attention to anything you may have recently bought — especially unwrapped or loose cucumbers.
Illnesses and Hospitalizations
As of May 20, the outbreak has led to:
- 26 reported illnesses
- 9 hospitalizations
- 16 states impacted
The affected states are: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Officials are continuing to investigate whether additional states or retailers may have been affected.
What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella?
Salmonella infections (salmonellosis) can develop anywhere from six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food.
Symptoms typically last four to seven days and include fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While most people recover without medical treatment, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems may face severe complications and should seek prompt medical care.
If you have consumed cucumbers recently and experience any of the above symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check your refrigerator for any cucumbers purchased between April 29 and May 19, especially loose or unlabeled ones.
- If in doubt, throw them away immediately.
- Wash your hands and disinfect any surfaces the cucumbers may have touched.
- Contact the store where you purchased your cucumbers to confirm whether they were part of the recalled batch.
For more detailed updates, visit the CDC’s and FDA’s official websites.