The FDA cucumber recall has been making waves lately, and if you’re someone who loves fresh produce, it’s hard not to feel a little uneasy. Cucumbers are a staple in so many kitchens—mine included—and hearing about potential contamination can make you second-guess your next salad. The FDA has been working hard to track down the source of recent Salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers, and their recalls are a big part of keeping us safe. Let’s break down the latest on these recalls, what they mean for you, and how to stay safe, with a mix of personal thoughts and the official updates you need to know.
The Latest FDA Cucumber Recall Updates
As of May 24, 2025, the FDA is dealing with a serious cucumber recall tied to a Salmonella outbreak that’s affected 26 people across 15 states, with 9 hospitalizations reported. The cucumbers in question were grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida, and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. between April 29 and May 19, 2025. The FDA and CDC traced the outbreak to an environmental sample from Bedner Growers that tested positive for Salmonella Montevideo, matching the strain found in sick patients. This recall has hit restaurants, wholesalers, and retailers nationwide, though the exact stores—like whether Aldi or Walmart are involved—aren’t fully clear yet.
I was shocked to hear about this, especially since I bought cucumbers just a few weeks ago for a family barbecue. The FDA says these cucumbers might still be in homes or stores since their shelf life hasn’t fully expired. If you’re in states like Florida, New York, or Michigan, you’ll want to check your fridge. The FDA’s advice is straightforward: don’t eat, sell, or serve these cucumbers, and if you’re not sure where yours came from, it’s better to toss them.
Why the FDA Issued This Recall
The FDA stepped in because Salmonella is no small issue. This bacteria can lead to fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, usually hitting within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. For kids, older folks, or anyone with a weaker immune system, it can get really serious—sometimes even life-threatening. The CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the U.S. each year, often from contaminated food like produce. In this case, the FDA found the outbreak strain in a sample from Bedner Growers, and since this grower was also linked to a 2024 outbreak, they’re not taking any chances.
It’s kind of unnerving to think something as simple as a cucumber could make you sick. I’ve always thought of them as a safe, healthy snack, but this shows how careful we need to be. The FDA’s quick action here is reassuring—they’re working with Bedner Growers and Fresh Start to pull the affected cucumbers and stop the outbreak from spreading further.
Which Cucumbers Are Affected?
The recalled cucumbers were sold between April 29 and May 19, 2025, and might have been available at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach, Florida, through May 14. Beyond that, they went to wholesalers and retailers nationwide, labeled as “supers,” “selects,” or “plains.” The tricky part? They might not have clear labels showing the brand or best-by date, so it’s hard to know for sure if yours are part of the recall. The FDA says the growing season is over, so these cucumbers aren’t being produced anymore, but some could still be in your kitchen if you bought them recently.
I checked my own stash and realized I don’t even know where mine came from—there’s no label! It’s frustrating, but the FDA recommends throwing out any cucumbers from that time frame if you’re unsure. Better safe than sorry, right? They also suggest cleaning any surfaces the cucumbers might have touched, like cutting boards or fridge shelves, to avoid cross-contamination.
Earlier FDA Cucumber Recalls in 2025
This isn’t the first cucumber recall the FDA has handled this year. Back in January, they classified a recall of 6,930 cases of whole cucumbers from Delta Fresh as a Class I risk—the highest level—due to potential Salmonella contamination. Those cucumbers, grown by Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico, were distributed in eight states, including California and Texas, and lacked clear labeling, making them hard to identify. Then, in March, the FDA closed an investigation into a November 2024 outbreak linked to SunFed Produce and Baloian Farms, which sickened 100 people across 23 states, with 25 hospitalizations. Those cucumbers were also from Agrotato and had reached as far as Canada.
It’s a bit alarming to see this pattern. I remember hearing about the SunFed recall last year and thinking it was a one-off, but now it feels like cucumbers are a recurring issue. The FDA’s been on top of it, though, working with growers and distributors to trace every batch and keep more people from getting sick.
How the FDA and Companies Are Responding
The FDA is collaborating with the CDC and state partners to track down where these cucumbers went, and they’re urging retailers and restaurants to notify customers about the recall. Bedner Growers voluntarily recalled their cucumbers on May 19, 2025, and Fresh Start Produce Sales has been reaching out to wholesalers to make sure the word gets out. The FDA also posted a list of secondary recalls by companies that used these cucumbers in other products, so it’s worth checking their website for updates.
I’m glad the FDA is being thorough, but I wish there was a faster way to know which stores are affected. It’s a hassle to wonder if the cucumbers in my salad came from a safe batch. The FDA’s advice to clean and sanitize everything makes sense, though—I’ve already wiped down my kitchen just to be safe.
The Bigger Picture of Food Safety
Cucumber recalls aren’t new. In 2024 alone, there were multiple outbreaks—like one in June that sickened 551 people across 34 states, and another in November with 68 illnesses tied to Mexican cucumbers. The FDA notes that produce like cucumbers can get contaminated during processing, especially if water used to wash them carries Salmonella. Warmer weather often makes things worse, which might explain why we’re seeing this now. Other recent FDA recalls—like ground beef or carrots in 2024—show that food safety is an ongoing challenge across the board.
I can’t help but think about how complicated our food system is. These cucumbers went from a farm in Florida to stores all over the country, and one slip-up can affect so many people. It makes me appreciate the FDA’s role, even if it means I have to rethink my grocery list for a while.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
If you’ve got cucumbers at home, check when you bought them. If they’re from late April to mid-May 2025, especially from Florida, don’t eat them. The FDA says to throw them out or return them to the store. Make sure to clean anything they touched—your fridge, counter, or knife—to avoid spreading bacteria. If you start feeling sick with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or cramps, especially after eating cucumbers, reach out to your doctor. The FDA also suggests reporting any issues to their consumer assistance line to help with the investigation.
I’ve already tossed the cucumbers I had, just to be on the safe side. It’s a bummer to waste food, but I’d rather not take the chance. For now, I’m sticking to cooked veggies or ones I know are from a different source—like local farmers I trust. It’s a small change, but it gives me some peace of mind.
What’s Next for Cucumber Safety?
The FDA’s investigation is still ongoing, and they might find more affected products as they trace the distribution. This recall could lead to stricter rules for growers, like better testing for Salmonella in water or soil. It’s also a reminder for all of us to stay informed about where our food comes from. The FDA’s transparency here is a good sign—they’re keeping us in the loop, even if the details are still unfolding.
I’m hoping this pushes for better safety measures down the line. It’d be nice to grab a cucumber without wondering if it’s safe. For now, I’ll keep an eye on FDA updates and maybe stick to frozen produce for a bit—less stress, same crunch.
Final Thoughts
The FDA cucumber recall of 2025 is a wake-up call about food safety, but it’s also a sign that the system is working to protect us. With 26 illnesses and counting, it’s serious, but the FDA’s quick response—along with Bedner Growers and Fresh Start stepping up—shows they’re not messing around. From my kitchen to yours, let’s be careful, check our groceries, and stay safe. Here’s to hoping our next cucumber salad is worry-free.
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