CDC Investigates Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating a widespread outbreak of Salmonella infections caused by contaminated cucumbers grown in Florida. The outbreak has been linked to the Braenderup strain of Salmonella bacteria.

• At least 551 people across 31 states and the District of Columbia were likely sickened by the tainted cucumbers.
• 155 individuals required hospitalization due to the foodborne illness.
• The true number of cases is likely much higher as not all illnesses are reported.

Source of Contamination Identified

The CDC has determined that the source of the Salmonella contamination was untreated canal water used by two cucumber growers in Florida:

• Bedner Growers Inc., Palm Beach County
• Thomas Produce Co., Palm Beach County

FDA's Role in the Investigation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assisted the CDC in the outbreak investigation and provided the following findings:

• The FDA matched Salmonella strains found in untreated canal water near Bedner Growers Inc. to the outbreak strains.
• However, Bedner Growers Inc. does not account for all the illnesses in the outbreak.
• Thomas Produce Co. was identified as another grower that supplied cucumbers linked to the outbreak.

Growers' Response

The implicated growers provided the following statements:

• Bedner Growers Inc. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
• Thomas Produce Co. denied that its products were directly connected to the outbreak and claimed that no Salmonella was found in its packed products or packing facility.

Product Recall

The investigation prompted a recall of cucumbers grown in Florida by Fresh Start Produce, a distributor. However, subsequent findings determined that the Salmonella strain found in their product did not match the outbreak strains.

Food Safety Measures

The CDC and FDA emphasized the importance of food safety practices and adherence to regulatory requirements to prevent such foodborne illness outbreaks:

• Cucumbers from the implicated growers are no longer in season or on shelves.
• Thomas Produce Co. stated its commitment to food safety, monitoring production processes, and following best practices.