A fast-spreading outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Florida-grown cucumbers is putting neighboring states, including Alabama, on high alert. Health authorities warn that the number of cases may climb as contaminated produce continues to circulate in the food supply.
Outbreak Linked to Florida-Grown Cucumbers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections traced to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida, and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. of Delray, Florida.
The cucumbers were shipped to stores, restaurants, and food service companies between April 29 and May 19, 2025. Some of the affected produce may still be available for purchase or consumption this week, raising the risk of further infections.
States Impacted and Rising Case Numbers
As of May 23, 2025, at least 26 people across 15 states have fallen ill, with nine requiring hospitalization. The affected states include Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
While no deaths have been reported, health officials caution that the actual number of cases is likely much higher, as many people recover without medical attention and are never tested for Salmonella.
Why Alabama Is at Risk
Alabama is among the states with confirmed cases. With the distribution network for these cucumbers spanning nationwide, and the potential for contaminated produce to be present in both retail and restaurant settings, the risk of new cases in Alabama remains high.
Authorities urge consumers and businesses in Alabama to be vigilant, especially if they purchased cucumbers between late April and mid-May or are unsure of the produce’s origin.
Symptoms and Health Risks
Salmonella infection typically causes:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Vomiting
Most healthy adults recover within a few days, but the illness can be severe or even life-threatening for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
What Should Consumers and Businesses Do?
# Check your produce: If you have cucumbers and cannot confirm they are not from Bedner Growers, throw them away.
# Clean and sanitize: Wash any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers.
# Restaurants and retailers: Notify customers, discard potentially contaminated produce, and thoroughly clean storage and display areas.
# Monitor for symptoms: If you or someone you know develops symptoms after eating cucumbers, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
The FDA and CDC are continuing their investigation and have posted additional recalls for products containing the affected cucumbers. The situation is evolving, and more recalls or case reports may emerge as authorities trace the distribution network and test related products.
Conclusion
The Salmonella outbreak linked to Florida-grown cucumbers is spreading quickly, with Alabama already reporting cases and the risk of further spread significant. Public health officials emphasize the importance of caution, swift action, and public awareness to contain the outbreak and prevent additional illnesses.
Stay tuned to updates from the FDA and CDC for the latest information on recalls and safety recommendations.
Sources:-
[1] https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-may-2025
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/whole-cucumbers-05-25/locations.html
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/mbandaka-05-01/locations.html
[4] https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-illness/influenza/_documents/2025-w5-flu-review.pdf
[5] https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/florida-grown-cucumbers-behind-salmonella-outbreak-cdc-warns/
[6] https://www.vax-before-travel.com/gulf-americas-overlapping-chikungunya-dengue-malaria-and-zika-risk-2025-05-08
[7] https://reliefweb.int/map/world/epidemic-and-emerging-disease-alerts-pacific-20-may-2025
[8] https://www.vax-before-travel.com/2024/12/31/floridas-dengue-cases-may-continue-increasing-2025