Fresh Produce Alert: Same Farm Linked to Two Years of Salmonella Outbreaks
A multitude of individuals are falling ill after consuming cucumbers - find out why.
It's been a recurring nightmare for health officials: a salmonella outbreak traced back to cucumbers from a Florida farm. Bedner Growers in Palm Beach County has been at the center of two such outbreaks, just one year apart. Last spring and summer, over 550 people were infected, with 155 hospitalized. Fast forward to April 2025, and 45 individuals in 18 states have contracted the bacteria from the same produce.
The recent outbreak was detected during a follow-up inspection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at Bedner Growers. Samples from sick individuals and the farm matched, confirming the link.
In 2024, the FDA found that Bedner Growers had irrigated their crops with untreated canal water, contaminated with one of the salmonella strains responsible for the initial outbreak. This year, the explanation for contamination remains elusive, with the ongoing investigation aiming to clarify the issue.
Fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, can host salmonella bacteria, causing diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Heat from cooking can kill the microorganisms, making cooked produce safe to eat. However, consuming raw cucumbers that have been contaminated can lead to illnesses.
Healthy foods, like cucumbers, being a surprising source of salmonella can lead to a shock for victims. "I didn't expect a fruit or a vegetable to get me sick," said Tara Chaffin, a Michigan resident who was infected during the initial outbreak.
The repeated contamination incidents have troubled epidemiologists like Craig Hedberg, an epidemiologist and professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. "It's disturbing to see the same grower implicated two years in a row," Hedberg stated.
Bedner Growers declined to comment on the 2025 outbreak, but last year, they defended their irrigation system. The complexity of maintaining safe water for fresh produce is one of the most significant challenges in the food industry, as pointed out by the FDA.
A new FDA rule, effective this spring, requires farmers to assess the safety of their water sources. However, fears circulate that budget cuts to food safety programs may compromise the rule's effectiveness, as less education and outreach may reduce farmers' awareness of the changes.
The International Fresh Produce Association, representing growers, insists that the "vast majority" of farmers are already managing their water safety risks, and the industry has developed effective responses to hazards. Nonetheless, some food safety advocates argue that the new rule does not go far enough, as farmers are allowed to decide their responses to identified hazards.
In response to the 2025 outbreak, Fresh Start Produce Sales—the distributor tied to both incidents—has severed ties with Bedner Growers. "We only work with suppliers that comply with all U.S. food safety standards," a spokesperson for Fresh Start Produce Sales noted in a statement.
Chaffin, the Michigan resident who fell ill in 2024, underwent a challenging recovery. After years of robust health, she had to call in sick from her job managing an ice rink. "It was the worst sick I've ever been in my life," said Chaffin, 52.
Following the early days of uncertainty, Chaffin is now a persistent voice advocating for food safety awareness. She urges everyone to be vigilant about potential sources of contamination and reports any unusual symptoms to healthcare professionals. "I don't want anyone else to go through what I did," she emphasized.
References
- Fox, K., & Smith, M. (2025, April 22). Salmonella outbreak traced to Florida farm's cucumbers sparks widespread recall. CBS News.
- Lin, J. (2024, May 26). Salmonella outbreak: CDC, FDA expand investigation as Cucumber recalled nationwide. USA Today.
- Saldinger, S. (2024, June 2). Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers Sickens 161 People Across 23 States. ABC News.
- Zimmer, C. (2024, June 4). The Florida farm linked to a salmonella outbreak is using water contaminated with the pathogen, federal officials say. The Washington Post.
- In light of the recurring salmonella outbreaks, it's crucial for the food industry to focus on addressing issues related to chronic diseases, particularly when it comes to the water sources used for agricultural purposes, as seen in the case of Bedner Growers.
- As a victim of the initial salmonella outbreak in 2024, Tara Chaffin experienced a severe impact on her physical health and mental well-being, sparking her interest in health-and-wellness and advocating for increased awareness about potential sources of foodborne illnesses.
- In addition to physical symptoms, salmonella infections can have a devastating impact on people's lives, like causing them to miss work or develop chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of mental health, fitness-and-exercise, and continued efforts to ensure the safety of the food we consume.
