A sudden outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo in the United States has triggered a nationwide recall of cucumbers, prompting public health alerts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As of May 20, 2025, over 26 people across 15 states have been infected, with nine individuals requiring hospitalization. This developing story has left consumers concerned and searching for answers about food safety, symptoms, and the steps they should take.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this cucumber recall — including the cause, the affected regions, how to stay safe, and what it means for consumers and the produce industry.
Understanding the Outbreak: What Happened?
The outbreak was first detected in early May 2025, when health officials across several states began reporting an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses linked to a common strain of Salmonella. Through epidemiological tracking, the cases were traced back to whole cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., a farm based in Florida.
The cucumbers in question were shipped nationwide between April 29 and May 19, 2025. These were not limited to supermarkets alone—they were also distributed to restaurants, food service providers, and possibly even cruise ships.
The recall was issued promptly once the FDA’s traceback investigations revealed that cucumbers from Bedner Growers were the likely source.
What is Salmonella and Why is It Dangerous?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes an infection known as salmonellosis, which affects the intestinal tract. Humans typically become infected through contaminated food or water.
Common Symptoms of Salmonella Include:
Diarrhea
Fever
Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after consuming contaminated food and can last 4 to 7 days. While most people recover without medical treatment, some — especially children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems — may develop severe symptoms and require hospitalization.
States Affected by the Outbreak
The CDC has reported confirmed cases in 15 states so far:
Alabama
California
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Michigan
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
However, health experts warn that the real number of cases is likely much higher, as many people don’t report mild symptoms or seek medical attention.
Details of the Recall: What to Look For
The recall affects whole, fresh, non-organic cucumbers, which may have been sold individually or in bulk. Unfortunately, many of these cucumbers were not labeled with specific identifiers, making it difficult for consumers to determine if the produce in their fridge is part of the recall.
Key Points About the Recalled Cucumbers:
Grown by: Bedner Growers, Inc.
Distributed by: Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.
Distribution dates: April 29 – May 19, 2025
Sold at: Retail stores, restaurants, and through foodservice distributors
If you purchased cucumbers during this timeframe and cannot confirm their origin, it is strongly recommended that you discard them immediately.
How Did the Contamination Happen?
While investigations are ongoing, Salmonella outbreaks in fresh produce typically stem from contaminated water, soil, or contact with animal waste during growing, harvesting, or packaging. Cross-contamination during storage or transport is also possible.
The FDA has launched an on-site inspection at Bedner Growers and is working with state officials to identify potential lapses in safety protocols.
Who is Most at Risk?
Although anyone can get sick from Salmonella, certain groups are at a higher risk for severe complications:
Young children (under 5 years old)
Older adults (65+)
People with weakened immune systems
Pregnant women
In these groups, salmonellosis can lead to serious infections, dehydration, and even long-term health problems like reactive arthritis or bloodstream infections.
What Should You Do If You Have Cucumbers at Home?
1. Check Labels: If you have labels or packaging information, look for the distributor name “Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.” or farm name “Bedner Growers, Inc.”
2. Discard: When in doubt, throw the cucumbers away—especially if they were purchased between April 29 and May 19.
3. Sanitize Surfaces: Wash any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the cucumbers using hot, soapy water.
4. Watch for Symptoms: If you or someone in your household shows signs of illness, consult a healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
How Restaurants and Retailers Are Responding
Retailers and food service providers across the country have begun removing cucumbers from shelves and menus. Some major chains have issued public advisories and initiated internal recalls of their own to protect consumers.
The FDA and CDC have issued updated food safety protocols for businesses, urging them to:
Remove potentially contaminated cucumbers
Notify customers and employees
Increase food safety inspections and hygiene measures
Provide supplier traceability documentation
FDA and CDC Actions: Protecting Public Health
The FDA and CDC have taken swift action to investigate and contain the outbreak. This includes:
Coordinating with state health departments
Conducting laboratory testing and genome sequencing
Issuing public safety warnings and recall notices
Tracking distribution networks
The agencies are also using PulseNet, a national network of public health labs, to detect DNA fingerprints of the Salmonella bacteria and match it to patient samples.
How to Protect Yourself from Future Outbreaks
Foodborne illnesses aren’t limited to cucumbers or this one outbreak. Here’s how to stay safe in general:
Best Practices for Produce Safety:
Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
Use separate cutting boards for produce and raw meat.
Keep your refrigerator clean and maintain it below 40°F (4°C).
Wash hands thoroughly after handling fresh produce.
Be Informed:
Sign up for food recall alerts from the FDA or CDC websites.
Follow trusted sources on social media for updates on outbreaks and recalls.
Ask grocers about their suppliers if you're unsure about food origins.
Economic and Industry Impacts
Produce recalls can have a significant financial impact on farmers, distributors, and retailers. In this case, Bedner Growers, Inc. and Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. could face millions of dollars in losses due to product destruction, legal liabilities, and loss of public trust.
The recall may also prompt stricter regulations and audits of agricultural practices, especially related to water testing, soil safety, and distribution transparency.
How to Report Illness or Contaminated Products
If you suspect that you or a loved one got sick from cucumbers:
Contact your healthcare provider
Report the illness to your local health department
Call the FDA’s food safety hotline at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366)
Submit complaints or reports through the FDA’s MedWatch program
Your report may help health officials identify patterns and contain the outbreak faster.
This cucumber recall serves as an important reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility — between growers, distributors, regulators, retailers, and consumers.
By staying informed and taking simple precautionary steps, we can reduce our risk of foodborne illnesses and help prevent future outbreaks. As the FDA and CDC continue their investigation, the hope is that better prevention measures and transparency across the supply chain will help rebuild consumer trust.
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