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Cucumber Recall Expands Amid Salmonella Outbreak
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More than two dozen people have fallen ill, and several have been hospitalized, due to a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers.
the outbreak, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating, has prompted recalls at major grocery chains and warnings for consumers to check their produce.
On May 19, Bedner growers of boynton Beach, Florida, initiated a voluntary recall of cucumbers sold at its three Florida locations: Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach. These cucumbers were also distributed nationwide by Fresh Start Produce Sales from April 29 to May 19, 2025, reaching stores, restaurants, and other facilities.
Salmonella contamination poses a meaningful health risk, particularly to children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The FDA advises that the recalled cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a Bedner Growers label.
The CDC recommends discarding any cucumbers if their origin is uncertain and sanitizing any surfaces they may have touched.
Affected Retailers and Products
Several major grocery chains have taken action to remove potentially contaminated cucumber products from their shelves:
- harris Teeter has removed whole cucumbers and vegetable trays distributed by fresh Start Produce Sales.
- Kroger and other stores have recalled Yummi Sushi prepackaged sushi containing the cucumbers.
- Walmart recalled precut cucumber slices in select stores in Texas.
- Publix alerted customers to the risk associated with some fresh cucumbers and premade salads.
grocery stores across 16 states are also removing cucumbers and sushi products sold under the Snowfruit or Snowfox labels. A extensive list of recalled products is available on the FDA’s website.
“If you have cucumbers at home and can’t tell where they came from, you should throw them away.”
Additional products made with the recalled cucumbers, including subs, wraps, paninis, and salsa, have also been pulled from shelves. Details can be found on the FDA’s website.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- headache
- Sometimes blood in the stool
symptoms typically appear within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Many people mistake the infection for a common stomach bug.
Medical attention is recommended if symptoms persist for more than a few days, if a high fever or bloody stool is present, or if severe dehydration occurs.
Most healthy individuals recover without treatment within a few days to a week. However, antibiotics may be necessary, especially for those with weakened immune systems or if the infection spreads to the bloodstream.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I think I have a salmonella infection?
- Seek medical care if your symptoms last more than a few days, if you have a high fever or bloody stool, or if you feel severely dehydrated. Most healthy people recover without treatment, but some may require antibiotics.
- How can I prevent salmonella infection?
- Practice good food safety habits, such as washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling food, cooking food to the proper temperature, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. The USDA provides detailed guidelines on safe food handling.
- What foods are commonly associated with salmonella outbreaks?
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and produce are common sources of salmonella. Outbreaks can also be linked to contaminated water or surfaces. The CDC offers resources on identifying and preventing salmonella contamination in various foods.
