Introduction to the Outbreak
Cucumbers grown by a Boynton Beach company are making dozens of people sick in a widening salmonella outbreak.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced on Friday that they are investigating Salmonella Montevideo infections linked to recalled cucumbers in Florida and 17 other states.
Cause of the Outbreak
The cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers in Boynton Beach and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales of Delray Beach. They were sold to retailers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors from April 29 to May 19. The cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Anyone who eats the contaminated food usually will show symptoms within 12 to 72 hours. The symptoms usually last four to seven days and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children under 5, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe infections. “Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care,” the federal agency advises.
Affected Areas and Products
Some potentially contaminated cucumbers were available at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in three Florida locations including Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. Some retailers further processed the cucumbers by using them as ingredients in new products or by repackaging them. Target is conducting an additional recall for products that used cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers. Walmart sold the recalled cucumbers under its Marketside label. FDA has posted a list of additional recalls being conducted by retailers
Precautions and Warnings
The FDA is urging restaurants, retailers, and distributors that purchased potentially contaminated recalled cucumbers to notify their customers of the potential health concern. Florida and Georgia have the most reported cases of salmonella linked to Bedner Growers cucumbers — as many as seven cases each. There have been 45 cases and nine hospitalizations linked to the outbreak, but no deaths. Other states with reported cases include Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Safety Measures
If you cannot tell if your cucumber was grown by Bedner Growers, throw it away, the FDA advises. The agency also suggests when eating out over the next week, ask if cucumbers were from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales.
Conclusion
The salmonella outbreak linked to South Florida-grown cucumbers is a serious health concern that affects not only the state but also 17 other states. It is essential for consumers to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to avoid contamination. By understanding the cause, symptoms, and affected areas, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the outbreak.
FAQs
- Q: What is the cause of the salmonella outbreak?
A: The outbreak is linked to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers in Boynton Beach and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales of Delray Beach. - Q: What are the symptoms of salmonella infection?
A: The symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and usually last four to seven days. - Q: Which states are affected by the outbreak?
A: The outbreak has been reported in 19 states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. - Q: What should I do if I have a cucumber that may be contaminated?
A: If you cannot tell if your cucumber was grown by Bedner Growers, throw it away. - Q: How can I protect myself from the outbreak?
A: Ask if cucumbers were from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales when eating out, and check the FDA website for updates on the recall.
