Latest news with #Florida-grown
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Recalled Florida-Grown Cucumbers
A salmonella outbreak has prompted a recall of Florida-grown cucumbers from Bedner Growers, linked to illnesses in 15 states. The cucumbers were sold from April 29 onward, sometimes unlabeled, so when in doubt, throw them out. Folks should clean any surfaces they touched and watch for symptoms like fever or diarrhea, especially in those most at extra careful if you plan to bring a salad to the Memorial Day cookout this weekend. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella linked to the Florida-grown cucumbers recalled earlier this week. The affected cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., in Delray Beach and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., to retailers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors from April 29, 2025 to present. 'Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.,' FDA warned, noting that the investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. To date, 26 illnesses have been reported across 15 states in connection to the cucumbers, with nine requiring hospitalization. Several of those reportedly ate cucumbers on cruise ships leaving ports in Florida. States that have reported cases include Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. However, the CDC believes that the outbreak may not be limited to just those states. "The true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,' the agency says. 'This is because many people recover without seeking medical care and are not tested for salmonella." The affected cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label. The CDC instructed consumers to throw away cucumbers if they are unsure of whether they came from Bedner Growers and to wash surfaces and items they may have touched using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Diners are also encouraged to inquire about the source of cucumbers at restaurants while eating out. According to the FDA, food contaminated with salmonella may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumption of contaminated food can cause salmonellosis, the most common symptoms of which are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after consumption. Most people recover without treatment, however, in rare circumstances, infection can produce more severe illness and require hospitalization. Older adults, infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of developing a severe illness and should seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Call your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F; diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving; bloody diarrhea; and/or so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down. This is a developing story Related: Over 20 Different Brands Of Ice Cream Recalled For Potential Plastic Contamination Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sen. Moody, growers say this change could help save the citrus industry
LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — Sen. Ashley Moody (R – Florida) visited Lake Wales Tuesday, advocating for a bill she introduced to lower federal sugar standards for pasteurized orange juice. Polk County remains one of the top citrus growing counties in Florida. Polk County citrus grower swaps crop to avocados 'If we're going to give them a chance to survive, a chance to stay afloat, we've got to cut off those weights,' said Sen. Moody. Moody, Florida's Attorney General turned U.S. Senator, said this is why she likes working in Congress. 'I used to litigate against this nonsense. Now, I get to actually have a voice in calling it nonsense and trying to do something about it,' she said. She and Sen. Rick Scott (R – Florida) have re-introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act. It would lower the federally required sugar level in pasteurized orange juice, known as the Brix level, from 10.5% to 10%. 'It is nonsense. It does not affect quality. It does not affect taste. The only thing it does is kneecap our Florida citrus growers,' said Sen. Moody. Growers said the devastating greening disease and hurricanes have ravaged citrus groves and altered the sugar levels in Florida oranges. In order to meet the required Brix level, growers have to blend their product with imported juice from other countries. 'This act will protect our growers in Florida, make sure we don't have to rely on foreign interests and foreign companies and ship their product in here,' said Sen. Moody. 'To comply you have to compromise that product. At this point, it would make producers here have a much better and easier advantage,' said Jeb Smith, president of the Florida Farm Bureau. Smith said the current state of Florida's citrus industry is 'dismal' but has hope it can rebound. 'The citrus industry is still in a decline but as I say, the land's still there. The growers' are still there. They're just looking for an answer and if they can find a cure or some way to combat that they will be able to continue in the industry,' said Smith. Smith said dropping the Brix standard by half a percentage point would mean growers would have to import less juice from other countries. This comes at a time when imported produce could be subject to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Smith said there are pros and cons to tariffs for Florida citrus growers, which could incentivize purchasing Florida-grown oranges. As with all agriculture sectors, growers need potassium to grow their crop, which comes from other countries, including Canada, in the form of 'potash.' 'We import a tremendous amount of potassium into this country which is a macronutrient which is necessary for production of anything. Most of that product, that mineral, are outside the boundaries of the United States,' said Smith. Representatives Scott Franklin and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, bipartisan members of Florida's congressional delegation, have introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act in the House. A version of the bill has been introduced in Congress since at least 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
