The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to whole cucumbers.
As of the latest update, 26 people in 15 states have been infected with the same strain of Salmonella. Nine individuals have been hospitalized. The cucumbers in question were grown by Bedner Growers Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19, 2025.
The cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages and could be labeled as “supers,” “selects,” or “plains.” The affected cucumbers were not organic.
Recommendations for Consumers:
- Discard any cucumbers at home if you cannot verify their origin.
- When dining out in the next week, ask whether cucumbers came from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.
- Clean surfaces and items that may have touched cucumbers with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Contact a healthcare provider if experiencing severe symptoms of Salmonella.
Guidance for Businesses:
- Do not sell or serve whole cucumbers from Bedner Growers Inc. distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. during the specified timeframe.
- Wash and sanitize surfaces and items that may have come into contact with these cucumbers.
- Notify customers of potential exposure via in-store signs or email alerts.
About Salmonella:
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. While most recover without treatment, severe cases can lead to hospitalization, particularly among young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
More details and updates are available on the CDC website: CDC Salmonella Outbreak Alert. For state-specific information, contact the respective state health department.
