FDA Lists 2nd Cucumber Supplier as Source of Salmonella Outbreak

The CDC says it is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella linked to cucumbers. Joern Pollex/Getty Images

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified another cucumber grower involved in an outbreak of salmonella that has infected nearly 450 people across the United States.

In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it was investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella linked to cucumbers. Last month, the FDA identified Florida-based Bedner Growers, Inc. as a supplier location from where the outbreak began. The FDA recently found Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton, Florida, as another supplier linked to the infections, according to an Aug. 14 CDC update.

“Thomas Produce Company supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported eating cucumbers,” the agency said. FDA’s onsite inspection at Thomas Produce found the presence of salmonella in samples collected from the canal water used by the company.

The bacterial strain found in these samples, Salmonella Braenderup, matches with the strain causing some of the infections in the outbreak, CDC noted. The FDA had identified Salmonella Braenderup in untreated canal water at Bedner as well.

More types of salmonella were detected in water and soil samples from both these companies. The two firms are currently not growing or harvesting cucumbers for this season. “There is no product from these farms on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public,” the CDC said.

“These growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak,” the agency said, suggesting that more suppliers could be responsible for the illnesses.

By July 2, the outbreak had infected 449 people across 31 states and the District of Columbia. The majority of cases were identified in the eastern parts of the country.

Out of 449 cases, 215 were infected by the Salmonella Braenderup strain. A total of 125 people were hospitalized during the outbreak, with no deaths reported. The majority of infected people who were interviewed reported eating cucumbers.

“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the CDC said.

“This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”

Salmonella Outbreak

There have been several cases of salmonella outbreak over the past years. In 2022, three cases of salmonella outbreak were identified, which rose to five last year. So far this year, there have been three, including the one involving cucumbers.

In June, the FDA recalled certain batches of cucumbers sold by Florida-based Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. due to concerns about salmonella contamination.

The recall was initiated after Fresh Start was informed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that a product sample tested positive for salmonella.

The CDC recommends people wash their hands and utensils often to avoid getting sick from salmonella. Vegetables and fruits must be washed under running water prior to peeling, cutting, or eating, the agency added.

When cooking any food, it should be cooked to a temperature high enough to kill germs. Perishable food must be refrigerated within two hours, it said.

“If the outside temperature is hotter than 90°F, refrigerate within 1 hour. Thaw food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.”

Most of the people who get infected with salmonella experience fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Symptoms typically start six hours to six days after the bacteria is swallowed. Most cases recover after four to seven days.

In some rare circumstances, the salmonella organism can enter the bloodstream, resulting in more severe illnesses like arterial infections (infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

Individuals with weakened immune systems, people aged 65 and older, and children younger than 5 years old may experience severe illness that could require medical treatment.

According to CDC estimates, the United States sees around 1.35 million salmonella infections annually, with 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths. Food is the source of the majority of these illnesses.

While some people recover without any treatment, antibiotics are used for treating individuals who suffer from severe illness or are at risk of it.