FDA Recalls Cucumbers as Salmonella Outbreak Sickens Over 20 and Hospitalizes 9
Cucumbers sold in multiple states have been recalled amid a salmonella outbreak, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
The cucumbers — grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. — were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 26 people have been sickened amid the outbreak, with 9 of them hospitalized
Whole cucumbers have been recalled amid a salmonella outbreak, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
In a May 19, press release, the FDA said the cucumbers — grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida — were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26 people have been sickened in the outbreak across 15 states, with nine of them being hospitalized. Of the 13 people who were interviewed amid the outbreak, 11 of them reported eating cucumbers, per the FDA.
The vegetables were distributed to stores, restaurants and other facilities, while several people ate cucumbers on cruise ships leaving ports in Florida, according to the CDC.
Other states where cases have been reported include Alabama, Ohio and Pennsylvania, per the FDA.
The agency is still working to determine where the potentially contaminated vegetables were sold.
"Cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date," the FDA said, per the release. "For distributors, restaurants, and retailers who have purchased these cucumbers, the products were labeled as either being 'supers,' 'selects,' or 'plains.' "
A spokesperson for Fresh Start Produce Sales told PEOPLE in a statement, "Fresh Start Produce Sales is committed to protecting public health and helping Bedner Growers with its recall. The company is contacting its wholesale and regional distribution center customers to ask that they provide their customers with recall instructions, including that they should notify any consumer point-of-purchase locations."
Salmonella was detected during an FDA follow-up inspection of the cucumbers last month. 'Investigators collected an environmental sample from Bedner Growers, Inc. that was positive for Salmonella and matched recent clinical samples from ill people,' the FDA said. The inspection was a follow-up from to the 2024 Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup outbreaks linked to cucumbers grown at Bedner Growers, Inc.
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According to the CDC, 'Salmonella are bacteria (germs) that can make people sick with an illness called salmonellosis.' People can become infected by eating contaminated food, drinking or having contact with contaminated water and touching animals, animal poop, and the places animals live and roam.
Symptoms include diarrhea, a high fever, dehydration and 'so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down.' They usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.
PEOPLE has reached out to Bedner Growers, Inc. for comment.
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