Salmonella Outbreak Connected to Cucumbers

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|June 18, 2024

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted an investigation notice regarding an outbreak of Salmonella infections. According to the government agency, earlier this month, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, FL, recalled whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17 through May 21, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The cucumbers were sold in bulk in 24- and 32-count boxes directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in 14 states, but these sellers may have shipped to additional states or re-packaged them for stores. The recall did not include English cucumbers or mini cucumbers. Recalled cucumbers should no longer be in stores.

Epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick. Testing identified Salmonella in a cucumber collected as part of this investigation, which resulted in a recall. Further testing showed the Salmonella from the cucumber was a different strain than the one making people sick. CDC is not currently investigating an outbreak of illnesses with this strain. Investigators are collecting more information to see if other cucumbers are affected.

As of this posting, there were 196 cases of illness (34 new), with 68 hospitalizations (14 new). There have been no deaths.