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Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Recalled Cucumbers Sickens Nearly 50 Across 18 States

5/30/2025
A salmonella outbreak linked to recalled cucumbers has sickened nearly four dozen people across 18 states, with 16 hospitalized. The CDC reports concerns about additional cases and recalls from major retailers.
Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Recalled Cucumbers Sickens Nearly 50 Across 18 States
An outbreak of salmonella tied to recalled cucumbers has sickened nearly 50 people in 18 states. 16 have been hospitalized. Is your food safe?

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Recalled Cucumbers Affects 18 States

In a concerning development, nearly four dozen individuals across 18 states have reported illnesses due to an expanding outbreak of salmonella food poisoning associated with recalled cucumbers. These cucumbers, produced by Florida-based Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, have made their way into various establishments including restaurants, hospitals, cruise ships, and grocery stores such as Target, as highlighted by federal health officials on Friday.

Impact and Hospitalizations

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 16 people have been hospitalized after consuming the contaminated cucumbers. These cucumbers were sold between April 29 and May 19, raising significant public health concerns. Notably, the outbreak has affected individuals aboard six different cruise ships that departed from U.S. ports from late March to mid-April, indicating the widespread nature of this foodborne illness.

Potential for More Cases

Officials have warned that the actual number of affected individuals may be much higher, and the outbreak could extend to more states. In response to this salmonella outbreak, several companies have initiated recalls for whole cucumbers as well as cucumbers used in a variety of products such as sandwiches, salsas, and other foods linked to the outbreak. Among these, Target has recalled numerous items, including whole cucumbers, salads, and vegetable rolls.

Connection to Previous Outbreak

This current outbreak was identified during a follow-up inspection related to a previous salmonella outbreak in 2024, which resulted in 551 reported cases and 155 hospitalizations across 34 states and Washington, D.C. Investigators had previously found salmonella bacteria in untreated canal water used at farms operated by Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Company. In a recent investigation, FDA officials discovered salmonella in a sample of Bedner Growers cucumbers at a distribution center in Pennsylvania, and this sample matched the strain responsible for the current illnesses.

Health Risks of Salmonella

In addition to the strain linked to the cucumbers, “multiple other strains” of salmonella have been detected, which correspond to samples in a government database. The CDC is actively working to determine whether additional illnesses reported align with these detected strains. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning can include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps. While most individuals recover within a week, infections can be particularly severe for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization.

Stay Informed and Safe

As this situation continues to unfold, health officials recommend that consumers stay informed about the recalled cucumbers and related products. Proper food handling and hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses. For the latest updates on this outbreak and food safety information, please follow guidance from the CDC and local health authorities.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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