Summary
- CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections with 449 illnesses in 31 states and the District of Columbia.
- Cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton, Florida, are likely sources of illnesses in this outbreak.
- Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Product of concern is past shelf life, and there is no product on the market from the identified growers.
- Consumers who have symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for care.
A recent outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to cucumbers has affected hundreds of people across multiple states in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently investigating the sources of the outbreak and have identified Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company as likely sources of the contaminated cucumbers.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, with children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems being more at risk of severe illness. It is recommended that individuals seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms after consuming cucumbers.
The growing and harvesting seasons for the implicated farms have ended, and there is no longer any product from these farms on the market. The investigation is ongoing to ensure the safety of produce in the future. Food safety is a collective responsibility involving growers, distributors, retailers, and regulators to prevent similar outbreaks from occurring in the future.
Consumers are advised to contact their healthcare provider if they suspect they may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection. Additionally, any complaints or adverse reactions related to the outbreak can be reported to the FDA for further investigation.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention