A 15-state Salmonella outbreak connected to cucumbers produced by Florida-based Bedner Growers resulted in a nationwide recall, with 26 individuals and 9 hospitalizations across 15 states. The outbreak was the second year in a row that Bedner Growers has been connected to Salmonella contamination, raising questions regarding farm security procedures and supply chain monitoring.
Summary of the salmonella outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 19, 2025, reported that Fresh Start Produce Sales distributed cucumbers and Bedner Growers grew them, and these are likely to be the source of a Salmonella Montevideo outbreak. As of May 20, 26 cases were confirmed in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Nine patients were hospitalized, but there were no reported deaths.
Epidemiological data blamed the outbreak on cucumbers distributed from April 29 to May 14, 2025. Seven cases were unusually cruise ship travelers, having departed Florida ports, stressing the extensive distribution chain of contaminated produce. Public health officials suggest that the actual number of cases is higher due to underreporting of mild illness.
Recall information: Identifying contaminated cucumbers
Bedner Growers initiated a voluntary recall of its cucumbers it sold in its three Farm Fresh Markets stores in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach, Florida. Unfortunately, the absence of uniform labeling restricts consumers’ perception of the recalled products. The cucumbers were shipped nationwide to retailers, wholesalers, and food service companies and may have been provided:
- Individual or in unlabeled packages
- Under varietal names such as “supers,” “selects,” or “plains”
- With or without brand-generic labels or best-by dates
The FDA attested the contamination of an environmental sample from an April 2025 inspection of Bedner Growers’ facilities that matched Salmonella serotypes isolated from clinical disease. Cucumbers shipped prior to April 29 are assumed to be past shelf life, but mid-May availability might be harmful.
Repeat safety failures: Connection to the 2024 outbreak
This outbreak comes on the heels of a 2024 Bedner Growers Salmonella Africana and Braenderup outbreak that infected 551 individuals across 34 states. The April 2025 inspection was one of routine FDA follow-up measures, which cited recurring contamination problems at the farm. Critics point fingers at recurring outbreaks as proof of systemic failure to act after similar incidents have occurred.
Fresh Start Produce Sales, the common distributor of both outbreaks, also recalled cucumbers in 2024 due to concerns of Salmonella contamination. The incidence of contamination events supports calls for increased regulatory monitoring and tighter microbial testing within farm supply chains.
Consumer advice and health hazards
Customers must discard any cucumbers bought on or after April 29 if they are unknown in their origin. Restaurants and stores were told to discontinue serving and warn consumers. Symptoms of Salmonella infection—diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps—usually appear within 12–72 hours and last 4–7 days. Sicker illness that would lead to hospitalization can occur in higher-risk groups, such as young children, elderly, and those who have compromised immune systems.
The CDC advises thorough washing of produce and equipment coming into contact with cucumbers, but the contamination in this case likely occurred during production or packing.
Public health response and ongoing investigations
FDA has enhanced oversight of Bedner Growers, emphasizing unannounced inspection and microbial monitoring. State agency, CDC, and FDA joint traceback activities are intended to identify other routes of distribution and contaminated lots.
The outbreak is one of the overall FDA efforts to increase inspections of imported food facilities, a sign of increased concern due to recent Salmonella outbreaks traced to imported fruits and vegetables. The FDA will continue to update its outbreak advisory page.
Read more: Farewell to Pepsi – These are the two drinks that have ousted the legendary soft drink brand from the podium alongside Coca-Cola
Read more: F-150 and Bronco models among the more than 280,000 vehicles recalled by Ford – This is the list of all the cars recalled by…
