In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, initiated an investigation into a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections. The outbreak has been linked to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., based in Boynton Beach, Florida, and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., of Delray, Florida. As of May 22, 2025, 26 individuals across 15 states have been reported ill, with nine hospitalizations and no fatalities.
Outbreak Details and Distribution
The contaminated cucumbers were distributed nationwide between April 29 and May 19, 2025, reaching retailers, restaurants, and food service providers. Some cases have been associated with consumption on cruise ships departing from Florida. The cucumbers may have been sold individually or in packages labeled as “supers,” “selects,” or “plains,” and may lack clear branding or best-by dates, complicating identification.
Recall and Public Health Response
In response to the outbreak, Bedner Growers, Inc. voluntarily recalled cucumbers sold directly to consumers at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market locations in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach between April 29 and May 14, 2025. Additional recalls have been issued by companies that used or repackaged the affected cucumbers, including Harris Teeter (fresh cucumbers and vegetable trays), Kroger (Yummi Sushi-branded products), PennRose Farms, LLC (5-pound mesh bags of whole cucumbers), and Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, LLC (Marinated Cucumber salads).
Investigation Findings
FDA investigators collected environmental samples from Bedner Growers, Inc., which tested positive for Salmonella matching the outbreak strain. This finding is significant, as Bedner Growers was previously linked to a 2024 Salmonella outbreak involving 551 illnesses and 155 hospitalizations across 34 states and Washington, D.C. The recurrence raises concerns about persistent contamination sources and highlights the need for stringent agricultural practices.
Consumer Guidance
Consumers are advised to discard any cucumbers that may have been purchased between April 29 and May 19, 2025, especially if the source cannot be confirmed. When dining out, inquire about the origin of cucumbers served. Surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.
Symptoms and Medical Attention
Salmonella infection symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most individuals recover without treatment; however, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. Seek medical attention if experiencing high fever, prolonged diarrhea, bloody stools, or signs of dehydration.
Ongoing Efforts and Recommendations
The FDA and CDC continue to monitor the situation and are working to identify all distribution points of the contaminated cucumbers. Retailers and food service establishments are urged to remove the affected products from circulation and notify customers. The outbreak underscores the importance of rigorous food safety protocols and prompt response to contamination events to protect public health.
For the latest updates and detailed information, visit the FDA’s outbreak investigation page: FDA Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers (May 2025).
