According to the newest data, as of May 31, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reported that at least 45 individuals across 18 U.S. states have been sickened in the ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. Of these cases, 16 people have been hospitalized, and no fatalities have been reported.
The contaminated cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Florida and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. They were sold between April 29 and May 19, 2025, through major retailers and supplied to restaurants, hospitals, and cruise ships.
Environmental and Product Testing
After preliminary tracebacks by state and federal investigators, cucumbers were pinpointed as the likely culprit. Subsequently, samples of cucumbers collected from retail locations tested positive for multiple Salmonella strains. In a parallel development, FDA investigators collected environmental samples from the growing and packing facilities of Bedner Growers, Inc., where Salmonella was also detected.
This is not the first time Bedner Growers has been under scrutiny. In 2024, the company was tied to another major outbreak of Salmonella infections involving more than 500 reported cases. That recurrence has sparked significant concern among food safety advocates and public health experts, with growing calls for stricter monitoring of high-risk agricultural operations and post-harvest handling.
Nationwide Recalls and Retail Fallout
Following the discovery of contaminated cucumbers in distribution channels, Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its whole cucumbers on May 23, 2025. The recall covered shipments made between April 29 and May 9, 2025. While the affected cucumbers were not sold directly to consumers, they were sent to food service distributors and retailers throughout the country.
In the aftermath of the recall, several major retailers, including Kroger, Harris Teeter, and Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, issued their own recalls of repackaged or prepared foods that contained the affected cucumbers. Some of these products included deli salads, vegetable trays, sushi kits, and marinated cucumber side dishes.
Additional recalls included:
- PennRose Farms recalled 5-pound mesh bags of whole cucumbers.
- Kroger recalled sushi products distributed under the Yummi Sushi brand.
- Harris Teeter recalled vegetable trays and fresh-cut cucumbers.
- Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled its Marinated Cucumber Salad.
Some illnesses have also been reported among passengers on cruise ships departing from Florida ports, prompting coordination between the CDC and cruise line health officers.
Litigation Efforts Led by Ron Simon & Associates
As public health officials mobilized to stop the spread of the outbreak, the legal team at Ron Simon & Associates quickly responded to assist those already sickened. The firm, renowned for its specialization in food poisoning litigation, has filed multiple lawsuits on behalf of victims who were hospitalized or otherwise seriously harmed after consuming products contaminated with salmonella.
Ron Simon, a nationally recognized food safety attorney, confirmed the firm is actively investigating the source of the outbreak and pursuing litigation against Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., Bedner Growers, Inc., and other potential parties in the distribution chain. The lawsuits allege negligence in the growing, handling, and distribution of a product known to carry a high risk of pathogen contamination when not carefully managed.
“This is a preventable tragedy,” said Simon. “Time and time again, we’ve seen that inadequate safety protocols, poor sanitation, and lax oversight can lead to widespread illness. Our job is to hold these companies accountable and to get justice for the families impacted by this outbreak.”
Legal and Scientific Implications
The cases filed by Ron Simon & Associates not only seek compensation for medical expenses and suffering, but also push for systemic change. Food safety lawsuits of this nature have historically led to improvements in agricultural practices, traceability systems, and federal inspection procedures.
The firm emphasized that cases involving produce, especially those contaminated with pathogens like Salmonella, often involve complex tracebacks through farms, distributors, repackagers, and retailers. Ron Simon & Associates’ in-house epidemiologists and food safety experts are playing a crucial role in pinpointing responsibility and ensuring accountability.
Each victim’s case is individually reviewed for potential damages, which can include:
- Hospital bills and future medical care
- Lost wages or diminished work capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term gastrointestinal injury
Multiple Strains, Elevated Risk
What makes this outbreak especially concerning to epidemiologists is the presence of multiple genetically distinct strains of Salmonella, all linked to the same produce item. The confirmed strains—Salmonella Africana, Salmonella Bareilly, and Salmonella Braenderup—are relatively rare in the United States, and their presence across disparate regions and clinical samples suggests widespread distribution and potentially serious systemic failure in agricultural hygiene.
These strains can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Typical symptoms include high fever, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and in rare cases, invasive infections that may lead to sepsis or death.
Public Health Response and Preventive Measures
The CDC has advised consumers to discard any cucumbers purchased between April 29 and May 16 unless they are confident of their source. Grocery stores, restaurants, and institutions that purchased cucumbers during this period have been urged to review supplier records and dispose of any suspect produce.
In the meantime, the FDA and state agriculture departments are continuing their traceback efforts, and the public is advised to:
- Thoroughly wash hands, surfaces, and utensils after handling cucumbers.
- Avoid cross-contamination between cucumbers and other ready-to-eat items.
- Monitor for symptoms of Salmonella infection and seek medical attention if illness is suspected.
A Call for Accountability
The cucumber Salmonella outbreak of 2025 is another stark reminder of the fragility of the fresh produce supply chain. While consumers are encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables for their health, outbreaks like this one undermine public confidence and impose devastating personal costs. According to Simon: ” Legal intervention gives voice to those harmed and pushes the food industry toward better practices. With government regulators, attorneys, and public health professionals aligned, there is hope that these preventable outbreaks can one day become a thing of the past.”
