{"id":15793,"date":"2025-06-02T01:30:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T05:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/?p=15793"},"modified":"2025-06-02T01:30:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T05:30:05","slug":"south-florida-cucumbers-make-people-sick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/06\/02\/south-florida-cucumbers-make-people-sick\/","title":{"rendered":"South Florida Cucumbers Make People Sick"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Outbreak<\/h2>\n

Cucumbers grown by a Boynton Beach company are making dozens of people sick in a widening salmonella outbreak. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Cause of the Outbreak<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection<\/h2>\n

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. \u201cConsumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care,\u201d the federal agency advises.<\/p>\n

Affected Areas and Products<\/h2>\n

Some potentially contaminated cucumbers were available at Bedner\u2019s 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<\/p>\n

Precautions and Warnings<\/h2>\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

Safety Measures<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n