A salmonella outbreak linked to a Florida-based cucumber producer, Bedner Growers, has expanded to 45 reported cases across 18 states, including Alabama, California, and Florida. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating various strains, particularly Salmonella Montevideo. Sixteen of the affected individuals have been hospitalized, though no deaths have occurred.
Retailers like Target and Walmart have issued recalls for affected ready-to-eat products containing potentially contaminated cucumbers, urging customers to dispose of them. The contaminated cucumbers were sold from late April to mid-May. Bedner Growers is cooperating with health officials and has voluntarily recalled the products to protect public health.
Salmonella, primarily found in animal feces, can contaminate produce and cause severe symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations. The FDA continues to analyze samples and trace the sources of the outbreak, which follows a previous salmonella outbreak linked to the same producers. The CDC recognizes salmonella as a significant cause of foodborne illnesses globally.
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