The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a cucumber recall due to contamination with the bacteria salmonella. As of mid-August, over 400 illnesses have been reported in 31 states and Washington, D.C. The CDC has identified canal water used by a cucumber grower in Florida as one of the possible sources of the outbreak. The affected products have been removed from shelves, and there is believed to be no ongoing risk to the public.
The CDC investigation into the salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has identified Bedner Growers Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida; and Thomas Produce Company of Boca Raton, Florida as the likely main sources of the illnesses. However, not all the cases in the outbreak can be traced back to these growers. A total of 449 people fell ill across the 31 states, with 125 requiring hospitalization. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported in connection to this outbreak.
The salmonella-contaminated cucumbers were distributed to distributors in late May and are no longer available for sale, as they are out of season. The CDC believes that the risk to the public is low at this time. The affected states where illnesses have been reported are Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., 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. Cucumbers were also distributed in West Virginia, but no illnesses have been reported there.
Salmonella is the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Adults over 65, children under 5, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious illness from salmonella. It is important for individuals who have consumed recalled cucumber products and are experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention.
It is important for consumers to be aware of food recalls and to follow proper food safety practices to prevent illness. In the case of the cucumber recall linked to salmonella contamination, the CDC continues to investigate the outbreak to determine the exact source of the contamination. As the affected products have been removed from shelves and are no longer in season, the risk to the public is currently low. Anyone who believes they may have consumed contaminated cucumbers and is experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection should seek medical attention immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
