CDC Investigates Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers from Florida Grower

ATLANTA, GA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with public health officials across multiple states, is investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to whole cucumbers grown in Florida.

As of this update, 26 people across 15 states have fallen ill with the same strain of Salmonella, and nine individuals have been hospitalized, according to the CDC. The affected cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19, 2025.

⚠️ Product Warning: Contaminated Cucumbers

The potentially contaminated cucumbers were sold nationwide and may have been marketed individually or in bulk under labels such as “supers,” “selects,” or “plains.” These cucumbers were not organic.

Officials urge consumers and businesses to stop using, selling, or serving these cucumbers immediately.

✅ What Consumers Should Do:

• Check your produce: If you have whole cucumbers at home and cannot verify the source, throw them away.

• Ask questions when dining out: Over the next week, ask restaurants if their cucumbers came from Bedner Growers Inc. or Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.

• Disinfect your kitchen: Wash all surfaces, utensils, and containers that may have touched cucumbers with hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher.

• Monitor your health: If you or someone in your household develops severe symptoms of Salmonella (fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps), contact your healthcare provider.

🛑 What Businesses Should Do:

• Do not sell or serve cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19.

• Clean thoroughly: Wash and sanitize any surfaces, storage areas, and equipment that may have come into contact with affected cucumbers.

• Notify customers: Use in-store signs, purchase tracking, or emails to alert customers who may have purchased contaminated cucumbers.

🧫 Understanding Salmonella

Salmonella infection typically causes:

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Stomach cramps

Symptoms usually appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last 4 to 7 days. While most individuals recover without treatment, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization.

For information specific to your state, contact your local or state health department.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Dispose of any questionable cucumbers immediately.

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