If you bought cucumbers in the past month, you might want to check your fridge — because at least 26 people across 15 states, including right here in Michigan, are now sick with salmonella. And it all traces back to one thing: cucumbers grown in Florida and distributed nationwide without proper checks and balances.
The cucumbers in question were grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Florida and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19, 2025. These cucumbers were sold to various retailers, restaurants, and distributors nationwide. As of May 23, 2025, 26 people have been reported ill, with nine hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
The outbreak has spread across 15 states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger have been implicated in the distribution of the contaminated cucumbers. Walmart has recalled Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices from select Texas stores, while Kroger has recalled cucumber-containing sushi products and salads sold between April 29 and May 14, 2025, in stores across Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The symptoms of salmonella poisoning are not pretty.
The salmonella bacteria isn’t just your average stomach bug. It causes fever, cramping, and diarrhea — and for the vulnerable, it can turn life-threatening. While most individuals recover without treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Consumers are advised to:
- Check their homes for recalled cucumbers and discard them immediately.
- Sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the contaminated cucumbers.
- When dining out, inquire whether cucumbers used in meals were sourced from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales.
Retailers and distributors should notify customers of the recall and ensure that the contaminated products are removed from circulation.
The FDA and CDC are actively investigating the outbreak and have issued public health warnings. They are working to trace the distribution of the contaminated cucumbers and prevent further illnesses.
