A widespread recall of fresh cucumbers is underway across the United States following a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 26 people. The cucumbers in question were grown by Bedner Growers Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Inc. beginning April 29, 2025. Health officials are warning consumers to immediately check their refrigerators and dispose of any whole cucumbers they cannot verify as safe.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently working to determine the specific retailers that sold the affected cucumbers. However, many of these vegetables were sold individually and may not have been labeled, complicating the recall. The cucumbers were distributed to various supermarkets, restaurants, and institutions nationwide and may still be within their shelf life for several more days.
Consumers are advised to err on the side of caution: if the source of cucumbers is unknown, they should be discarded. The FDA also recommends cleaning any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled produce to avoid further risk of contamination.
Salmonella Outbreak Infections Spread Across 15 States
So far, 26 confirmed cases of Salmonella infection have been linked to the contaminated cucumbers, with nine individuals requiring hospitalization. The illnesses have been reported in 15 states, including Illinois, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and California, among others. The earliest reported onset of symptoms was April 2, 2025, and the latest case occurred on April 28.
Notably, seven of the infected individuals had been on a cruise ship in the week before falling ill. All of those cruises had departed from Florida, the home base of Bedner Growers, the implicated farm. This detail has raised additional concerns about the scope of exposure, especially among travelers.
The current investigation stems from a follow-up to a separate Salmonella outbreak in 2024. Environmental samples collected from Bedner Growers recently tested positive for the same Salmonella strain responsible for the latest infections. The FDA is continuing to monitor the situation and will update the public as more information becomes available.
How to Stay Safe and What Symptoms to Watch For?
Health officials are urging consumers to stay vigilant and dispose of any cucumbers of uncertain origin. In addition to cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces, people are encouraged to ask restaurants about the source of their produce, especially if dining out in the coming days.
Salmonella symptoms typically appear within several days of eating contaminated food. Common signs of infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. While most people recover within a week without medical treatment, the infection can pose serious risks to vulnerable populations, such as young children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Individuals should seek medical care if they experience symptoms such as high fever, prolonged diarrhea, bloody stools, excessive vomiting, or signs of dehydration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor the outbreak alongside the FDA, emphasizing that prompt action by consumers can help prevent additional cases.
