As previously reported on Food Poisoning News here and here, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. issued a recall in early June 2024 of whole cucumbers that were shipped directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in multiple states between May 17th and May 21st due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently investigating a widespread Salmonella outbreak across the United States. This outbreak, which has now affected 449 individuals in 31 states and the District of Columbia, has been traced back to the contaminated cucumbers.
The outbreak, initially reported as two separate incidents involving Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup, has since been combined into a single investigation due to a number of similarities in the timing, location, and nature of the reported illnesses.
Through extensive laboratory analysis, epidemiological studies, and traceback investigations, authorities have identified cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., located in Boynton Beach, Florida, as a likely source of the outbreak. However, it’s important to note that not all the reported illnesses can be attributed to this grower, suggesting the possibility of multiple contamination sources.
FDA officials inspected the operations at Bedner Growers, Inc., a supplier to Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. During this inspection, samples were collected from various sources on the farm and Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of untreated canal water used by the grower. Further analysis using Whole Genome Sequencing confirmed that the strain found in the water matched the strain causing some of the illnesses in the outbreak.
The inspection also found additional Salmonella types in other soil and water samples collected at the facilities. The CDC and FDA are currently analyzing these strains to determine if they have sickened others, potentially widening the scope of the outbreak.
Traceback information has revealed that Bedner Growers, Inc. was the supplier to multiple retail outlets from where sickened people reported purchasing or consuming cucumbers. This finding further strengthens the connection between the farm and the outbreak. However, the FDA is continuing its traceback efforts to identify other possible points of contamination, acknowledging the complexity of modern food supply chains.
The scale of this outbreak is significant. Of the 449 reported cases, 215 people were infected with the new Salmonella Braenderup strain. In interviews conducted with 188 of the affected individuals, a staggering 69% reported consuming cucumbers before falling ill.
Of the 449 cases reported to date, 125 people have been hospitalized. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported and the last onset of illness linked to the contaminated cucumbers was on June 4, 2024. As of this writing, cases have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
While the investigation continues, the immediate risk to public health appears to have subsided. Bedner Growers, Inc.’s cucumber growing and harvesting season has concluded, and there is currently no product from this farm on the market. However, since the grower does not account for all the illnesses in the outbreak, other sources may still pose a risk.
Although it has been nearly 30 days since the last onset of illness related to the outbreak, consumers should still contact their medical provider immediately if they are displaying symptoms of Salmonella infection.
The symptoms of Salmonella infection are severe and can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, usually occurring within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. While most people recover within four to seven days without treatment, children under five, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe infections that may require hospitalization.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “This Salmonella outbreak demonstrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety in our complex food system and shows the critical role that regulatory agencies play in protecting the public’s health.”
Consumers can stay informed about food recalls by regularly visiting sites like www.fda.gov or Food Poisoning News.
