Nearly four individuals across 18 states have fallen ill due to an expansion of outbreaks linked to salmonella food poisoning from recalled cucumbers distributed to restaurants, hospitals, cruise ships, and grocery stores, including Target, as reported by federal health officials on Friday.
At least 16 individuals have been hospitalized after consuming cucumbers sourced from Florida’s Bedner Growers, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These cucumbers were available for purchase between April 29 and May 19.
The outbreak has been associated with illness reports from passengers aboard six different cruise ships departing US ports from late March to mid-April, as stated by the CDC. Officials warned that the actual count of infections is likely much higher, and the outbreak could potentially impact additional states.
Several companies have issued recalls of products that contain whole cucumbers, cucumber sandwiches, salsas, and other items linked to the outbreak. Target reported dozens of affected products, including those featuring whole cucumbers, salads, and vegetable rolls.
AP Audio: Illnesses spread in the salmonella outbreak linked to recalled cucumbers
Health officials continue to receive reports of food poisoning related to recalled cucumbers, as reported by Jennifer King of the Associated Press.
The outbreak was identified during follow-up tests in April. A previous outbreak in 2024 resulted in 551 illnesses, leading to 155 hospitalizations across 34 states and Washington, DC. In that case, investigators detected salmonella bacteria associated with untreated canal water used on farms operated by Bedner Growers and Thomas Producers.
As part of a new investigation, FDA officials found salmonella in a cucumber sample from Bedner Growers at a distribution center in Pennsylvania. This sample matched the salmonella strains that were responsible for the reported illnesses. Additionally, “several other strains” of salmonella were discovered that corresponded with samples in the government database. CDC officials are currently assessing whether additional illnesses are linked to those strains.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps. Most individuals recover within a week, although infections can be severe in infants, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, necessitating hospitalization.
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Source: apnews.com