Bedner Growers Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak
CDC traced 551 illnesses and 155 hospitalizations to cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida and Thomas Produce Company in Boca Raton, Florida. Cases were reported from 34 states and Washington, D.C. No deaths were reported.
Two Salmonella Strains, One Outbreak
Investigators combined Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections after finding shared traceback and interview patterns. Illnesses started between March 11 and July 26, 2024. FDA found Salmonella Braenderup in untreated canal water at both Florida farms.
Fresh Start Produce Sales also recalled whole cucumbers in June 2024, though recalled product did not account for every illness in the investigation.
Why This Outbreak Was So Large
Of 226 people interviewed, 69% reported eating cucumbers before illness, well above background rates in CDC’s FoodNet survey. That strong epidemiologic signal, combined with environmental sampling, supported grower traceback even though no single brand explained every case.
Your Legal Rights
If laboratory testing confirmed Salmonella and you ate cucumbers during the outbreak window, you may have a product liability claim against growers, distributors, or retailers in the supply chain. Hospitalized patients often face weeks of recovery and substantial medical costs.
Ron Simon & Associates is a food poisoning law firm that has recovered over $850 million for victims nationwide. Our Salmonella lawyers focus on foodborne illness litigation and are reviewing claims from this outbreak. Contact us for a free consultation at 1-888-335-4901. You pay our law firm nothing unless we recover compensation for you.