The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating illnesses in 26 people across 15 states, thought to have been caused by cucumbers tainted with salmonella. Bedner Growers, Inc., of Florida, recalled its cucumbers shipped to stores, restaurants, and other facilities between April 29 and May 19 after they were linked to the outbreak.

But it can be difficult for consumers to know where the cucumbers they purchased may have come from. The Food and Drug Administration said that the vegetables were sold individually or in small packages, possibly without a label. “If you are not absolutely certain that any cucumbers you have at home were not grown by Bedner Growers, don’t eat them,” says James E. Rogers, PhD., director of product and food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports.  

Salmonella can cause serious illness and can be fatal in young children, older people, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Nine people have been hospitalized as a result of this outbreak.

Some of the recalled cucumbers were sold at local retailers in Florida. Others were served at restaurants, on cruise ships, or distributed to retailers across the U.S. Illnesses have been reported in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Federal inspectors discovered the salmonella contamination at Bedner Growers during a recent follow-up inspection, prompted by a similar outbreak traced in part to the company in 2024. That outbreak sickened 551 people and caused 155 hospitalizations. 

Investigators used whole genome sequencing technology to match the strain of salmonella causing the current outbreak to the strain found at Bedner Growers.

CR was unable to reach Bedner Growers, and the distributor, Fresh Start Produce, did not immediately respond to CR’s questions.

Cucumbers rank No. 2 on CR’s 10 Risky Foods list of top outbreaks and recalls from 2024.

One issue with cucumbers, along with other vegetables, is that they can become contaminated by bacteria from animal waste in the soil or irrigation water, often from runoff from nearby livestock, says CR’s Rogers. 

“That’s why it’s so important when shopping for produce to choose fruits and vegetables that are not bruised or have damaged skin, because bacteria can more easily enter through those areas,” he says. 

Washing and peeling can reduce bacteria, but they don’t remove all of it. If you have cucumbers that may be linked to this outbreak, Rogers says it’s important to clean the area of your fridge where they were stored to prevent cross-contamination. Use a solution of one tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water or a commercial kitchen sanitizer.

An estimated 1.35 million people are sickened by salmonella each year. Symptoms can begin 6 hours to six days after exposure and include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

In some people, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing even more severe illness that may require antibiotics. If the infection spreads beyond the intestines and into the bloodstream, or if a person is severely dehydrated, hospitalization may be necessary.