Cucumbers Linked To Salmonella Outbreak That Sickened Hundreds In 31 States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers . The outbreak, involving Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections, has affected 449 people across 31 states and Washington, D.C., leading to 125 hospitalizations but no reported deaths. The CDC believes the actual number of people affected is likely higher, as many recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

The cucumbers linked to the outbreak were traced back to Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Thomas Produce Company , of Boca Raton, Florida. However, these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. The FDA found Salmonella Braenderup in canal water used by Thomas Produce Company, matching a strain causing some of the illnesses. Other strains of salmonella were detected in soil and water samples collected at both Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company.

The CDC has assured the public that there is likely no ongoing risk as the cucumber growing and harvesting season for these farms is over, and there is no product from these farms on the market. The CDC advises home cooks to follow four food safety steps to prevent getting sick from salmonella: clean, separate, cook, and chill. Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps and recover without treatment after four to seven days.