New Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumber Grower Involved in Last Year’s Outbreak
Cucumber Recall Issued Nationwide After Salmonella Strain Traced to Florida Grower
A fresh wave of salmonella infections is being investigated across the U.S., as federal health officials trace the illnesses to cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales and grown by Bedner Growers Inc. The Florida-based firm was also tied to a salmonella outbreak just last year.
Cruise Ship Clue Adds Complexity
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed late Monday that at least 26 individuals across 15 states have contracted the same strain of Salmonella Montevideo after consuming whole cucumbers. Nine of those affected have been hospitalized.
These cucumbers were distributed between April 29 and May 19, many without consistent branding, often labeled simply as “supers,” “selects,” or “plains.”
Because the produce may still be on store shelves or in consumers’ kitchens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges the public to discard any cucumbers of uncertain origin.
This latest incident came to light during a follow-up inspection of farms implicated in a 2024 outbreak that resulted in over 550 cases of illness. Investigators once again found genetically matched salmonella bacteria on-site, confirming contamination at the source.
Interestingly, several cases involved cruise ship passengers who had boarded vessels at Florida ports—adding a new layer to the traceability challenges. These passengers reportedly consumed cucumbers as part of their onboard meals, pointing to a broader distribution network that spans not just grocery stores and wholesalers but also hospitality and travel sectors.
While the cucumbers in question are not organic, officials emphasize that the contamination appears limited to conventionally grown produce from the implicated farms. Organic cucumbers, for now, remain unaffected.
Health Risks and Urgent Precautions
Salmonella infection is no minor inconvenience—it can result in dehydration, prolonged diarrhea, and fever. For children under five, seniors, and individuals with compromised immunity, these symptoms can escalate quickly into conditions requiring hospitalization.
In one case in Michigan, a 71-year-old woman, unaware of the source of her store-bought vegetables, was hospitalized for two days after experiencing severe cramps and vomiting. Her daughter later traced the illness back to a cucumber salad served at a Mother’s Day lunch.
For retailers and food service providers, the FDA has issued a clear directive: isolate and discard any produce sourced from Bedner Growers during the distribution window. Surfaces that came into contact with the affected vegetables should be cleaned with soap and hot water or sanitized through commercial dishwashers.
Consumers who suspect they may have been exposed are advised to consult their healthcare provider if symptoms develop, especially if those symptoms include high fever or signs of dehydration.
To prevent further spread, the CDC and FDA encourage both businesses and the public to remain vigilant. In-store signage, customer email alerts, and supplier verification should be standard practice until the recall is resolved.
As health agencies continue mapping out the supply routes of these cucumbers, the recurring involvement of the same grower raises questions about long-term agricultural safety standards and the role of irrigation sources like untreated canal water—which was flagged as a contamination source in last year’s outbreak.
