A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has prompted a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and raised concerns about food safety. Along the southern coast, Bedner Growers Inc. is a thriving example of an agribusiness operation. Now, federal authorities have named them as one likely source of an outbreak that has sickened 26 people in 15 states, nine of them hospitalized. The CDC has assured consumers that Bedner Growers does not have products currently on the market. Consumers still need to ask where cucumbers come from when dining out.
On May 19, 2024, the FDA announced an alert. They sounded the alarm on the dangers associated with contaminated cucumbers sold in grocery stores and restaurants. The source of the contamination has been identified as cucumbers passed out by Bedner Growers Inc. and Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. The outbreak is the worst U.S. public health emergency in recent times. Despite this, officials are confident that there is no current danger to the public.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella bacteria cause an estimated 1.35 million infections each year in the United States, mostly from food contaminated with these bacteria. Symptoms usually show up six hours to six days after getting infected and last four to seven days. The majority of individuals heal spontaneously without medical intervention. Vulnerable populations—including children under five, adults over 65, and the immunocompromised—are more likely to find themselves with serious illnesses that necessitate medical care.
Health authorities recommend that consumers discard any cucumbers they cannot confirm are safe. This is most applicable to cucumbers purchased prior to the outbreak announcement. So when you go out to eat, the CDC recommends diners checking to see where the cucumbers came from. This helps to make sure they’re not using potentially harmful products.
Response from Bedner Growers Inc.
Since the outbreak announcement, Bedner Growers Inc. has shared its grave concern as to the safety of its produce. The company has taken the extraordinary step of recalling all cucumbers that could be contaminated. They quickly banned them from commercial markets in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach to nip this problem in the bud.
“Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets have already recalled and eliminated all possibly contaminated cucumbers at their retail markets in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach,” – Bedner Growers Inc.
The company attempted to calm consumers by stating that none of the products in its markets are “in any way impacted by this recall.” Further, they have committed to working with FDA procedures to recall any contaminated cucumbers that were distributed through their wholesale channels.
“The current products you’ll find today at the markets are completely unaffected by this recall. The produce which was shipped through our wholesale channels also is being recalled through the FDA processes,” – Bedner Growers Inc.
Collaboration with Fresh Start Produce Sales
Fresh Start Produce Sales partners with Bedner Growers Inc. to fight the outbreak. Collectively, they’re showcasing how serious they are about making public health a priority. The company is actively reaching out to its wholesale and regional distribution customers to ensure they are providing proper recall instructions to their clientele.
“Fresh Start Produce Sales is committed to protecting public health and helping Bedner Growers with its recall. The company is contacting its wholesale and regional distribution center customers to ask that they provide their customers with recall instructions, including notifying any consumer point-of-purchase locations,” – Fresh Start Produce Inc. spokesperson.
Joint initiatives between the two companies are focused on lowering health risks associated with tobacco use and gaining back consumers’ trust in their products.
