Staying cool as a cucumber is a good summer strategy. As a member of the gourd family (botanically, they’re technically not veggies), cucumbers are a perfect low-calorie produce pick—not to mention extra probiotic benefits when they’re processed into pickles or a natural diuretic aid when it would help to shed a little water.

However, earlier this week, two major governmental agencies—the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—released critical information concerning a Salmonella outbreak connected to cucumbers in Florida…and more national retailers have come forward since with details of their own. Target, Publix, Harris Teeter, and Kroger have also released details this week about products they carry—mainly sushi, veggie trays, and salads—also affected by the mass recall.

Today, Walmart became the latest retailer to confirm products affected by the recall. On their website, the company says the recalled cucumbers were sold in “select” stores in the following 25 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

On Tuesday, May 20, the FDA informed the public about a recall for cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida, and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. of Delray, Florida. An outbreak of Salmonella infections, in multiple states, have been linked to the cucumbers. “Cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date,” according to the agencies.

According to an additional announcement shared by the CDC on May 19, the cucumbers were distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. between the dates of April 29 and May 19. Stores, restaurants, and “other facilities” received the cucumbers.

As of May 20, 26 cases of Salmonella infections had been confirmed by the CDC and FDA related to the outbreak, of which nine required hospitalization. The cases span 15 states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. No deaths had been reported.

Diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps are common symptoms of a Salmonella infection, says the CDC. Though the onset of symptoms can happen anywhere from hours to days after ingesting the bacteria, “most people recover without treatment” after four to seven days.

The FDA and CDC offer this advice to all consumers: “If you cannot tell if your cucumber was grown by Bedner Growers, throw it away. When eating out over the next week, ask if cucumbers were from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.”

Additionally, if you’ve possibly had the affected cucumbers in your home, it’s recommended that you carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers to avoid cross-contamination.

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Molly Jasinski
Molly Jasinski has worked as a writer, editor and social media manager for almost 15 years. She previously worked as an editor for the magazine Birds & Blooms. She’s also held other positions at Trusted Media Brands, working on direct-to-consumer books, editing special interest publications, and assisting with digital production and social me...
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Molly Jasinski