Federal health officials reported that close to 48 people across 18 states have fallen ill in a growing salmonella outbreak connected to cucumbers recalled after being distributed to restaurants, hospitals, cruise ships, and grocery stores—including Target locations.
At least 16 individuals required hospitalization after consuming cucumbers grown by Florida-based Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales. These cucumbers were sold between April 29 and May 19.
The outbreak also includes cases among passengers on six cruise ships that sailed from U.S. ports between late March and mid-April. Officials warn that the actual number of illnesses may be significantly higher and that more states could be affected as the investigation continues.
Several companies have issued recalls involving whole cucumbers and products containing cucumbers, such as sandwiches, salads, and vegetable rolls. Target, in particular, recalled dozens of items linked to the outbreak.
This incident was uncovered during a follow-up inspection related to a previous 2024 salmonella outbreak that sickened 551 people and hospitalized 155 across 34 states and Washington, D.C. That earlier outbreak was traced back to untreated canal water used at farms run by Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Company.
In the current investigation, the FDA detected salmonella in a sample of Bedner Growers cucumbers at a Pennsylvania distribution center. The strain found matched the one causing the recent illnesses. Additionally, multiple other salmonella strains were identified that correspond to samples stored in government databases, and authorities are working to link additional cases to these strains.
Salmonella infection symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps. While most people recover within a week, the illness can be more severe in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, often requiring hospitalization.