Multistate Salmonella Outbreak: Cucumber Products Recalled, 26 People Infected

Products were distributed through Kroger and Walmart along with other retailers.

Cucumber products have been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. U.S. Food and Drug Administration via AP

Multiple cucumber products sold in several states are being recalled because of potential salmonella contamination amid an ongoing multistate outbreak.

Maryland-based The Coastal Companies is withdrawing 17 products containing cucumbers from the market, including salsas and salads, according to a May 27 recall announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In another announcement published the following day, Supreme Service Solutions LLC said it was recalling 16 cucumber products, including salads and vegetable trays.

Both withdrawals are linked to items sourced from Florida-based Bedner Growers Inc., which had recalled cucumbers sold at its Farm Fresh Market between April 29 and May 19, citing the potential presence of salmonella bacteria, according to a May 20 notice published by the FDA.

Salmonella can “cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the notice stated.

“Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.”

The Coastal Companies’ products were sold by East Coast Fresh in Laurel and Hearn Kirkwood in Jessup, both of which are in Maryland.

The products were distributed between May 6 and 21 to customers in Washington, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont, and North Carolina.

“If you suspect you are infected with Salmonella, please contact a medical professional,” the statement from The Coastal Companies said.

Supreme Services is recalling products purchased from Bedner that were sold to Kroger and affiliated retail stores in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, and Michigan.

According to a May 23 update by the FDA, Bedner’s cucumbers are linked to a salmonella outbreak that has resulted in 26 illnesses, including nine hospitalizations, across 15 states. No deaths have been reported.

“FDA is aware that contaminated product is available at both restaurant and retail locations. FDA is working to determine where potentially contaminated product was distributed,” the agency said.

“Consumers may be contacted by their retailers if they purchased recalled cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers. If you cannot tell if your cucumber was grown by Bedner Growers, throw it away.”

Earlier on May 23, the FDA published a recall notice from Walmart for cucumbers supplied by Bedner. The items were sold under the name “Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices” in select stores across Texas.

Salmonella Infection

In a May 23 update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised individuals and restaurants who purchased the recalled products to wash and sanitize the items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the withdrawn goods.

“Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days,” the agency said.

The CDC advised people to contact their health care provider in case they experience severe symptoms such as diarrhea with a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea for more than three days that shows no sign of improvement, too much vomiting, and signs of dehydration.

The agency estimates that salmonella causes around 1.35 million infections every year in the United States, with contaminated foods being a leading source of most of the illnesses.

“Salmonella are a leading cause of foodborne illness, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States and worldwide,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has taken steps to boost the safety of America’s food supply chain.

On May 27, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $14.5 million in funding for states that will be used in meat and poultry safety inspection programs.

“Without this funding, States may not have the resources to continue their own inspection programs which ensure products are safe,” the Department of Agriculture said.

The Epoch Times reached out to Bedner Growers Inc., Supreme Service Solutions LLC, and Walmart for comment but received no response by publication time. Contact details for The Coastal Companies were not available.