Federal officials have announced the end of a Salmonella outbreak traced to cucumbers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated on August 22, revealing that 551 people were affected by the outbreak, an increase from 449 reported on August 14. The outbreak impacted 34 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It is likely that the actual number of infections is higher, as some individuals do not seek medical care or are not specifically tested for Salmonella. The CDC estimates that for every confirmed case of Salmonella, 29 additional cases go undetected.
The FDA identified cucumbers from Bedner Growers Inc. in Boynton Beach, FL, and Thomas Produce Company in Boca Raton, FL, as probable sources of the outbreak. However, these farms do not account for all the cases. With the end of the growing and harvesting season, no products from these farms are currently on the market, reducing any ongoing risk to the public.
During inspections, the FDA found Salmonella Braenderup in canal water samples from both farms. Whole Genome Sequencing showed that the Salmonella strain found in water from Thomas Produce Company matched one of the outbreak strains. Similarly, water from Bedner Growers Inc. contained a different strain of Salmonella Braenderup linked to the outbreak.
Additional Salmonella types were found in soil and water samples from both farms. The FDA noted that Salmonella contamination had caused illnesses at these producers in recent years.
The FDA also discovered other Salmonella strains at both farms, unrelated to this outbreak, in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, showing illnesses from 2024 and earlier years.
About Salmonella Infections
Salmonella bacteria do not affect the appearance, smell, or taste of food. Anyone can contract a Salmonella infection, but infants, children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection, which can appear within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Healthy adults usually recover within four to seven days, though severe cases may require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to experience severe and potentially life-threatening illness. Some people may carry Salmonella without showing symptoms but can still spread the infection.
