A recent multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections associated with imported cucumbers has put health officials and consumers on high alert. In 2024, Bedner Growers Inc. came up as a possible grower associated with this outbreak. It has been linked to 26 reported illnesses in 15 states, and nine of those sickened have required hospitalization. Just last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent out warnings requiring that heightened awareness around food safety is now more important than ever.
Salmonella bacteria are responsible for around 1.35 million infections each year in the United States, mostly due to contaminated food products. Symptoms usually appear six hours to six days after becoming infected and usually last four to seven days. Approximately 80% of the people infected won’t require any special medical treatment and will make a full recovery. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of getting seriously ill.
Bedner Growers Inc. Responds to Outbreak
Bedner Growers Inc. has been very proactive in dealing with the outbreak. In their defense, officials said that when they issued the warning they had no products available on the market. This would indicate that there is probably no immediate risk to public health.
“Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets have already recalled and eliminated all possibly contaminated cucumbers at their retail markets in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and West Palm Beach,” – Bedner Growers Inc.
They helped restore consumer confidence by issuing statements that their existing products were completely safe to consume.
“The current products you’ll find today at the markets are completely unaffected by this recall. The produce which was shipped through our wholesale channels also is being recalled through the FDA processes.” – Bedner Growers Inc.
This quick action reflects Bedner Growers’ commitment to keeping the products they grow safe.
Consumer Safety Guidelines
During this outbreak, health officials have advised people to avoid all cucumbers until further notice. If you cannot determine where your cucumbers were grown, discard them immediately. When it comes to your personal safety, don’t cut corners! When eating out, consumers should ask if the cucumbers are coming from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc.
The FDA has also reiterated that no Bedner Growers Inc. products are on the market right now. This response and announcement reduces the worry about the damage the outbreak has caused to public health. Still, consumers are always reminded to adopt appropriate food safety practices, especially during the hot summer months. If the outside temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, refrigerate perishable food within one hour. Otherwise, you only have a maximum of two hours before you can’t keep them safe anymore.
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc.’s Commitment
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. has the health and safety of public as their number one priority. The company is a distributor of potentially contaminated religious cucumbers. The company has been working in close collaboration with our local partner, Bedner Growers, to minimize the impact and protect workers.
“Fresh Start Produce Sales is committed to protecting public health and helping Bedner Growers with its recall. The company is contacting its wholesale and regional distribution center customers to ask that they provide their customers with recall instructions, including notifying any consumer point-of-purchase locations.” – Fresh Start Produce Inc. spokesperson
Together, this unique collaboration shows an unprecedented spirit of cooperation among growers and distributors to reduce risks of foodborne illness.
