The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating two outbreaks of Salmonella infections that apparently are linked to consumption of cucumbers.

On June 1, 2024, Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. recalled 6167 cases of Whole Cucumbers grown in Florida after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) found Salmonella in a sample of the company’s cucumbers.

Nevertheless, it is still an open question whether the cucumbers supplied by Fresh Start are the source of either or both outbreaks.

What we know so far

The Salmonella Africana outbreak

• As of June 12, a total of 196 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 28 states and the District of Columbia.
• Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to May 23, 2024.
• 68 people have been hospitalized.
• Age of outbreak victims range from <1 to 94 years.
• 63 out of 85 people interviewed (74%) reported eating cucumbers, as compared with 50% of individuals responding to a population survey.

The Salmonella Braenderup outbreak

• As of June 12, a total of 185 people in multiple states were reported to be infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Braenderup.
• The outbreak shares similarities with the Salmonella Africana outbreak, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people.
• Investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be linked to the same food vehicle. 

The Salmonella-positive cucumber sample

• The cucumber sample supplied by Fresh Start Produce and tested by the PDA was contaminated with Salmonella Bareilly. The strain does not match any ongoing Salmonella outbreaks.
• The recalled cucumbers were distributed to 14 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• The cucumbers recalled by Fresh Start were packed by Bedner Growers, Inc., a family-owned business. Bedner grows 1,500 acres of bell peppers and 500 acres of cucumbers in Palm Beach and Martin counties, Florida.
• The FDA inspection database shows no record of any prior inspections of Bedner Growers by the federal agency.

A work in progress

Bedner is just one among many cucumber growers in the state of Florida.

The FDA and its state partners are continuing to sample cucumbers from other sources as part of the traceback investigation for both the Salmonella Africana and the Salmonella Braenderup outbreaks. However, cucumbers have a limited shelf life, and the produce responsible for the outbreaks may no longer be available for sale.

The best chance of making a definitive link to a specific grower/packer will be if the FDA is able to find one or both outbreak strains in samples obtained during an on-site inspection.

The FDA has already initiated inspection and sampling activities in conjunction with the Salmonella Africana outbreak, although the agency has not specified where the inspection is taking place. More information will be forthcoming from the FDA as it becomes available.

CDC’s advice to consumers and businesses

• Do not eat any recalled cucumbers. If you recently purchased cucumbers and have them at home, you can check with the store where you purchased them to see if they were part of the recall. If you can’t tell, do not eat them.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Not peeing much
    • Dry mouth and throat
    • Feeling dizzy when standing up

• Do not sell or serve recalled cucumbers.
• Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled cucumbers.
• Stores can also notify customers who may have purchased recalled cucumbers using signs in stores or emails to customers.

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

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