Recent Cucumber Recalls: A Detailed Look
Food recalls are a critical public health measure, and in recent years, cucumbers have been the subject of multiple alerts due to bacterial contamination. A key factor in these recalls is the trace-back investigation conducted by public health authorities like the FDA and CDC, which links illnesses to specific produce suppliers.
The May 2025 Salmonella Outbreak
In May 2025, a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Bedner Growers Inc. and Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., led to a recall of whole, fresh cucumbers. These cucumbers were distributed across various states and retailed as 'supers,' 'selects,' or 'plains'. The outbreak involved the Salmonella Montevideo strain, and the FDA found the same strain in an environmental sample from Bedner's farm. The recall expanded to include prepared foods containing these cucumbers, sold at retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Target.
The November 2024 Salmonella Outbreak
Another significant recall occurred in late 2024, involving whole fresh American cucumbers linked to Salmonella. This outbreak was traced to Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico, with distribution by SunFed Produce and Baloian Farms. The cucumbers were sold at various stores, including Albertsons, Costco, and Walmart, between October 12 and November 26, 2024. Recalls also affected prepared foods containing this produce, such as salads and wraps.
Why Cucumbers Are Recalled: The Contamination Path
Salmonella can contaminate produce at multiple points. Contaminated irrigation water or soil can affect crops in the field. Cross-contamination can also occur during processing and handling if equipment is not properly cleaned. These incidents highlight potential vulnerabilities in the food supply chain, making recalls essential for public health.
How to Identify and Handle Recalled Cucumbers
Because recall details can vary, staying informed and cautious is important. If you've recently purchased cucumbers, especially from affected stores, consider these steps:
- Check Notices: Review recall information from the FDA, CDC, and your retailers.
- Look for Details: Check for brand names, lot codes, or dates in recall alerts. Some products might have been sold without labels.
- Discard When Unsure: If you can't confirm the source of your cucumbers during a recall, dispose of them safely.
- Clean Surfaces: Wash and sanitize any surfaces that came into contact with potentially recalled cucumbers.
Comparison Table: Major Cucumber Recalls
| Feature | May 2025 Recall | Nov 2024 Recall |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Grower | Bedner Growers Inc. (Florida) | Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) |
| Primary Distributor | Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. | SunFed Produce & Baloian Farms |
| Contaminant | Salmonella Montevideo | Salmonella (strain not always specified) |
| Affected Products | Whole cucumbers, sliced cucumbers, salads, salsas | Whole American cucumbers, sliced cucumbers, salads, wraps |
| Retailers (Examples) | Walmart, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Target | Albertsons, Costco, Wegmans, Walmart, Kroger |
Protecting Yourself from Foodborne Illness
Beyond watching for recalls, safe food handling is vital. Wash your hands and all produce. Remember that washing doesn't remove all bacteria. Those at higher risk, like children and older adults, should be especially careful, as Salmonella can be serious. Keep raw produce separate from cooked food and refrigerate perishables promptly to reduce your risk.
Conclusion
Recent recalls for fresh, whole American cucumbers due to Salmonella contamination highlight the importance of staying informed. The May 2025 recall involved Bedner Growers, while the late 2024 recall was linked to Agrotato. Consumers should check FDA and CDC announcements, verify product sources, and discard unlabeled cucumbers if unsure during a recall. Following general food safety guidelines further protects against illness. Official sources like the FDA's recall website provide the most current information.
Key Safety Takeaways
- Recall Scope: Recent cucumber recalls have primarily targeted fresh, whole American cucumbers, not specific varieties like English or mini cucumbers.
- Grower Source: Outbreaks were linked to specific growers, including Bedner Growers Inc. and Agrotato, S.A. de C.V..
- Contamination Cause: Salmonella contamination, sometimes traced to tainted irrigation water, has been the primary reason for these recalls.
- Retailer Impact: Numerous retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, and others, were affected by recalls stemming from these growers.
- Consumer Action: If you are unsure of the source, it is safest to throw out any whole, fresh cucumbers you have recently purchased.
