Florida Farm Linked to Multistate Salmonella Outbreak
Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., a Florida farm located in Boynton Beach, after a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections sickened at least 26 people across 15 states.
The cucumbers, distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. of Delray Beach, Florida, were shipped to retailers, wholesalers, distribution centers, and food service providers between April 29 and May 19, 2025. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affected cucumbers may have been sold individually or in packages—with or without clear labeling—and were often marked as “supers,” “selects,” or “plains.”
The FDA confirmed that a recent environmental sample taken during an April follow-up inspection at Bedner Growers tested positive for Salmonella. Genetic sequencing linked that strain to clinical samples from individuals who became ill. This follows a similar outbreak in 2024 tied to cucumbers from the same grower.
Of the 23 people with available data, 9 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Interviews show that 85% of those sickened reported eating cucumbers before becoming ill.
Florida residents are among the confirmed cases, and officials urge consumers to check their produce or contact their retailers. If you’re unsure of the cucumber’s origin, the safest course is to throw it away.
The FDA and CDC stress that retailers, restaurants, and distributors should identify and discard any affected product, sanitize all surfaces that may have come into contact with the cucumbers, and notify customers of the potential health risk.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after consumption. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk for severe illness.
The outbreak investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Consumers who believe they may be experiencing symptoms of a Salmonella infection should contact their healthcare provider.
