Florida cucumbers may be linked to two separate salmonella outbreaks, FDA says

An outbreak of salmonella that has infected 162 people in 26 states and the District of Columbia has been potentially linked to Florida-grown cucumbers, according to a release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and they may be connected to a different outbreak with 158 people affected.

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida voluntarily recalled cucumbers shipped in bulk cartons directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in 14 states from May 17th through May 21, 2024, after the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture found that a cucumber sample tested positive for Salmonella africana. The FDA has been investigating any possible connections to the outbreak.

"Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers," the FDA said Wednesday. So far 54 people have been hospitalized, according to a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eighteen of the infected people were in Florida. There have been no deaths reported.