A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers from a Florida farm has sickened at least 45 people across 18 states, prompting a widespread recall of cucumbers and cucumber-containing products. The outbreak, traced to Bedner Growers in Palm Beach County, Florida, has resulted in 16 hospitalizations but no reported deaths so far.
This marks the second consecutive year that cucumbers from Bedner Growers have been implicated in salmonella outbreaks. Last year, more than 550 people fell ill, with 155 hospitalized, due to contaminated cucumbers from the same farm. Investigations then revealed the farm used untreated canal water for irrigation, which was contaminated with salmonella.
The current outbreak was identified during a follow-up FDA inspection in April 2025, when environmental samples from Bedner Growers tested positive for salmonella strains matching those found in sick individuals. The FDA and CDC continue to investigate how the cucumbers became contaminated.
The recall affects cucumbers sold individually and in various prepared foods, including salads and sushi rolls at major retailers such as Target and Walmart, as well as food service outlets. Fresh Start Produce Sales, the distributor, has ceased sourcing cucumbers from Bedner Growers and is reviewing its supplier approval processes to prevent future incidents.
Salmonella infection, caused by consuming contaminated food, leads to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and can cause severe dehydration requiring medical attention. Since cucumbers are typically eaten raw, contamination poses a significant health risk.
Food safety experts highlight that contaminated irrigation water is a critical challenge in produce safety. New FDA regulations requiring water safety assessments for large farms took effect this spring, but concerns remain about enforcement and the sufficiency of these measures.
The repeated outbreaks underscore the need for stricter oversight and improved water management practices to ensure the safety of fresh produce and prevent future salmonella infections linked to cucumbers.
