Cucumber-derived Salmonella outbreak affects two significant retail outlets
Fresh Take:
Uh-oh! A salmonella outbreak, caused by cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., has grown wider and spiked from impacting 26 people in 15 states to now affecting a whopping 45 individuals across 18 states. The unfortunate expansion encompasses Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Phew! Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported, but there have been 16 hospitalizations.
Brace yourselves, 'cause Walmart and Target have issued recalls on possible culprits. Target's recall (check out the full list here) includes various sushi rolls and tempura sold under the Mai brand, plus Lemon Pepper Greek-Style Chicken Salad from Target's Good & Gather brand, Boar's Head Lemon Pepper Greek-Style Chicken Salad, and individual raw cucumbers. Walmart's recall includes Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices produced in select Texas stores, as well as any Bedner's cucumbers from the initial outbreak announcement.
While Salmonella Montevideo has been the focal point, the FDA states that multiple other strains—for now unrelated to the outbreak—were detected in samples taken from a Bedner Growers distribution center in Pennsylvania. The CDC is investigating to see if these additional strains correlate with any human illnesses. Stay tuned for updates!
In case you're still holding onto some cucumbers, the CDC advises you to chuck 'em out. Whether they're sold individually or in smaller packages and labeled as 'supers,' 'selects,' or 'plains,' if you can't identify where they're from, toss 'em. Keep in mind that these cucumbers aren't organic varieties.
According to Liz Weinandy, RD, of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, symptoms of salmonella typically include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea that can be bloody. Sufferers may also experience nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Luckily, most people recover without needing antibiotics. However, it's essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or become severe.
Here's some food for thought: be cautious, listen to health officials, and consume responsibly. Your body will appreciate it!
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Sources:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250520005101/en/Bedner-Growers-Inc-Voluntarily-Recalls-Entire-Cucumber-Production
[2] https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/salmonella-cucumbers-connected-multistate-outbreak-05212025
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/montevideo-05-2025/index.html
- In the wake of the salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers, one might consider reevaluating their diet to include more organic and health-and-wellness-focused food-and-drink options.
- With the ongoing salmonella outbreak, it's essential to pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle choices, avoiding foods that could potentially pose a risk to health, such as the recalled sushi rolls, tempura, and chicken salads.
- In addition to not consuming the recalled cucumbers, it might be beneficial to focus on eating nutrient-rich foods, like those listed in the healthy eating articles, for a balanced and nutritious lifestyle.
