A salmonella outbreak linked to a Florida cucumber producer has resulted in 45 reported illnesses across 18 states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Retailers like Target and Walmart have joined a growing list of stores recalling potentially contaminated cucumbers and ready-to-eat products that include them. Customers are advised to dispose of specific recalled items, which include Boar’s Head Greek-style chicken salad and various sushi products sold under the Mai brand.
The affected states include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and others. Of the 45 individuals who fell ill, 16 have required hospitalization, though no fatalities have been reported. Investigators have primarily focused on the salmonella montevideo strain but detected multiple other strains in samples from a Pennsylvania distribution center of Bedner Growers, the cucumber source, prompting further investigation. While these additional strains do not appear to be linked to a spring outbreak, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are assessing the situation.
Cucumbers involved in this recall were distributed between April 29 and May 19, and the initial reported retailers were three Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market locations in Florida. FDA inspectors found tainted cucumbers during inspections of Bedner Growers’ facilities, following a previous associated salmonella outbreak last year. Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne illnesses, particularly dangerous to vulnerable populations such as older adults and young children. Symptoms usually appear six hours to six days post-infection, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
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