Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers Spreads to 18 States

An outbreak of Salmonella in cucumbers, reportedly originating in Florida, has spread to 18 states, according to The New York Times. 

Target is one of a handful of companies that have issued recalls on the product. Cases of Salmonella have affected people in the Midwest and the East Coast. At this time, 16 people have been hospitalized. 

The New York Times writes, "Health officials have linked the outbreak to Bedner Growers, a cucumber grower based in Boynton Beach, Fla., that sells to wholesale distributors and directly to consumers. Potentially contaminated cucumbers, distributed between April 29 and May 19, were sold widely to stores and restaurants, the C.D.C. said."

A large portion of those hospitalized are believed to have been on cruise ships departing from Florida the week before falling ill. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, Salmonella is often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Infections can become fatal if they spread beyond the intestines. 

In a statement, the C.D.C. said, "The recalled cucumbers should no longer be for sale," adding that consumers should inquire whether the cucumbers used were from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce sales. “If you have cucumbers at home and can’t tell where they are from, throw them away,” the agency said.

In a separate statement, Bedner Growers clarified that the recall was voluntary and issued in an "abundance of caution and out of deep respect for the public health." 

“Safety first,” the statement added. “By taking these steps, we want to assure the public that we want to continue to earn your trust.”

Related: Tomatoes Recalled After FDA Warns of Severe Health Risk