A salmonella outbreak linked to tainted cucumbers has spread across 18 states, with a significant increase in reported cases and hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have confirmed that 45 people have been infected with the bacteria, with 16 hospitalized.
The initial outbreak was linked to Florida-based Bedner Growers, which distributed cucumbers grown using untreated canal water carrying the bacteria. The produce was sold in 15 states initially, but additional recalls have been issued by retailers including Harris Teeter, Kroger, and Walmart.
Target has also issued a recall for products containing cucumber or prepared foods with cucumbers, after discovering contaminated ingredients. Health officials advise anyone who bought cucumbers at home to discard them if unsure of their origin, wash surfaces and items that may have touched the produce, and monitor symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, aches, headaches, elevated fever, lethargy, rashes, and blood in urine or stool.
The CDC reports that salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually in the US. Symptoms typically arise within six hours to six days after exposure, lasting four to seven days.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/05/31/target-recall-cucumbers-salmonella-outbreak/83963387007