Image by Ray Shrewsberry • from Pixabay
The last cucumber update on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Salmonella outbreak investigation was July 2, 2024. However, the outbreak investigation remains “active.”
Here’s what we know about the outbreak, the recall, and why the investigation may still be open.
What started as 2 separate outbreaks, Salmonella Braenderup and Salmonella Africana was eventually combined into one outbreak.
A total of 449 illnesses have been associated with this Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers so far.
Both Salmonella Braenderup and Salmonella Africana case count increased as of that last update, with 38 new Salmonella Africana cases and 215 Braenderup cases added to the outbreak investigation.
There have been at least 125 hospitalizations and no deaths associated with this outbreak.
This multistate outbreak has spanned 31 states plus the District of Columbia so far.
Sick people have been reported across the country. Some states seem to have more concentrated cases than others.
Pennsylvania has the most reported cases, with 60 included in the last update.
New York was next with 57 cases.
Florida followed with 52 cases.
Virginia came in at 43.
Georgia has the next largest number of reported cases, with 33 in the state. North Carolina had 22 reported cases, followed by South Carolina and Tennessee with 20 each.
New Jersey: 19 cases
Ohio: 18 cases
Kentucky: 17 cases
Maryland: 13 cases
Massachusetts: 11 cases
Michigan and Minnesota: 9 cases
Connecticut and Rhode Island: 7 cases
Alabama, Illinois, and Iowa: 4 cases
Maine and Missouri: 3 cases
Delaware, Indiana, Texas, and Wisconsin: 2 cases
Arkansas, District of Columbia, Nevada, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Washington: 1 case
Epidemiologic data from sick people pointed to cucumbers, with the majority of patients indicating consuming cucumbers in the week prior to becoming sick.
Patient laboratory data indicated similar strains of Salmonella Africana or Salmonella Braenderup in patient samples, indicating people became sick with similar food sources.
Investigators analyzed environmental samples from a grower in Florida revealed the presence of Salmonella Braenderup in untreated canal water. Genetic analysis of these samples revealed the same strain of Salmonella Braenderup that made outbreak patients sick.
More water samples as well as soil samples were collected at Bedner Growers, Inc. These samples presented positive results for other strains of Salmonella bacteria.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall on May 31, 2024, for Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. whole cucumbers due to potential contamination with the health risk, Salmonella.
The recall was initiated following discovery of Salmonella bacteria during sampling activities by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
In response, the firm recalled products grown by Bedner Growers, Inc.
The Delray, Florida operation indicated that recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons between May 17, 2024 and May 21, 2024 directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in 14 states. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Recalled cucumbers excluded the company’s mini cucumbers and English cucumbers.
Affected products are dark green, around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and 5 to 9 inches long.
At the time of the recall, product was expected to be beyond use, the growing and harvesting season were over, and the product for that farm should no longer be on the market.
According to the recall, there was “likely no ongoing risk to the public.”
However, the cases began rolling in.
There has not been another cucumber update for this recall.
Salmonella is a bacteria responsible for the human illness, salmonellosis. The CDC estimates that Salmonella bacteria are responsible for 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and around 420 deaths in the United States each year. Food is the most common source of these illnesses.
Infections can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening.
Most people recover from salmonellosis on their own without medical intervention. However, some groups of people may experience more severe infection.
Anyone can potentially become sick if exposed to Salmonella Bacteria. Some people, however, are at greater risk of becoming sick if exposed and may experience more severe illness if infected.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection often begin somewhere between six hours and six days following exposure.
Common symptoms include:
Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, or a headache.
Most of the time people begin to feel better within a week (four to seven days).
Normally healthy individuals recover on their own without the need for medical intervention. Staying hydrated and allowing the illness to run it’s course is usually enough.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. Especially those indicated at increased risk.
If symptoms become severe, reach out to your healthcare provider or seek medical care.
The CDC recommends calling a doctor if you have:
Some people may require antibiotic treatment or hospitalization to recover from the illness.
With no Salmonella outbreak cucumber update in over a month, why is the outbreak investigation still active?
There could be many reasons this active investigation has not closed. Despite no update.
During the course of the outbreak investigation, additional Salmonella bacterial strains were identified in environmental samples at the implicated farm.
With most Salmonella illnesses being mild and untreated, cases often go unreported. This is evident in the low or even single case representation in some states. It is unlikely that only one person in those states ate a contaminated cucumber involved in this outbreak. It is likely that only one person became sick enough to require medical treatment from consuming a contaminated cucumber in that state.
The investigation could be looking though state or local reports of illnesses involving the additional bacterial strains found on the farm.
With the outbreak investigation wrapping up and the majority of cases already accounted for, data collection may have slowed for this outbreak.
A quick look at the CDC’s current list of outbreak investigations is troubling. There are several active outbreaks, most without a food source identified. Resources may be pulled from this investigation, as fewer updates are needed.
The most likely cause for extended time between the previous update is that the agency is finalizing reports to close the investigation.
This begs the question. Are cucumbers safe to eat?
Only one farm’s cucumbers were involved in this recall. No other cucumbers were indicated.
However, it is important to treat all produce as it is potentially contaminated. Because it might be.
Keep cucumbers (and other fruits and veggies) away from raw meat and their juices. Always wash them before eating. Promptly refrigerate any cut produce. And don’t forget to wash your hands!
If you or a loved one has been impacted by this cucumber outbreak, you may have a legal case. You need an experienced Salmonella lawyer to help navigate the complicated legal process. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation and a compassionate member of the team will go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case. You can also click here to email.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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