- Date Issued: May 19, 2025
- Announced By: FDA on May 20, 2025
- Company Involved: Bedner Growers, Inc.
- Product Recalled: Unbranded cucumbers
- Reason for Recall: Potential contamination with Salmonella
- Product Details: Sold at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market locations in Florida between April 29 and May 14, 2025
- Action Required: Consumers should discard any cucumbers purchased at these locations during the specified timeframe
Learn more about the contamination, consumer safety, and industry impact below.
What Happened?
On May 19, 2025, Bedner Growers, Inc., based in Boynton Beach, Florida, initiated a voluntary recall of fresh cucumbers distributed through its Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market locations in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach. These cucumbers were sold without any identifying labels or stickers, complicating efforts to trace the product after purchase.
The FDA linked these cucumbers to a multi-state Salmonella outbreak, with at least 26 confirmed illnesses reported in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Although the company is no longer selling or producing cucumbers—due to the end of the growing season—the recall serves as a precautionary measure to prevent further illness.
Product Information Table
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
No Brand Name | Cucumbers | Variable | N/A | N/A | Salmonella Contamination |
What Caused the Issue?
The contamination stems from Salmonella, a type of bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illness. The FDA identified a connection between cucumbers distributed by Bedner Growers and a growing outbreak affecting individuals across 15 states.
Understanding the Threat
Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen that can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness. While healthy adults typically recover without long-term effects, certain populations are at significantly higher risk, including:
- Children under the age of five
- Older adults
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Pregnant women
Reported Symptoms
Infections typically occur within 6 to 72 hours of exposure. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (which can be bloody)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
In rare cases, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and lead to more serious complications such as sepsis, endocarditis, or arterial infections.
No deaths have been reported at this time, but 26 individuals have fallen ill, prompting rapid action from the company and the FDA to prevent further exposure.
10 common questions you might have
1. How do I know if I purchased the affected cucumbers?
If you bought cucumbers at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market between April 29 and May 14, 2025, and they are unlabeled, you should assume they are part of the recall.
2. Are these cucumbers still being sold?
No. Bedner Growers is no longer producing, packing, or selling cucumbers as the growing season has ended.
3. What should I do if I have the recalled cucumbers?
Discard them immediately. Do not consume the product. You may also contact Bedner Growers for further guidance.
4. Can I get a refund or replacement?
While the company has not issued a refund policy in the recall notice, consumers can call 866-222-9180 for more information.
5. What are the health risks if I consumed the product?
Symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
6. How does Salmonella get into produce like cucumbers?
Contamination can occur through soil, irrigation water, or handling during harvesting and packing.
7. Has Bedner Growers had recalls before?
No previous recalls have been reported for Bedner Growers, but similar cucumber-related Salmonella recalls have occurred industry-wide.
8. Can washing the cucumbers eliminate the bacteria?
No. While washing can remove some surface bacteria, it may not eliminate all Salmonella, especially if internalized.
9. What should wholesalers and retailers do?
Remove affected products from shelves, notify customers, and contact the distributor or supplier for further instructions.
10. Where can I get more information?
Visit the FDA recall announcement or call Bedner Growers at 866-222-9180.
Here’s What You Should Do
If you purchased cucumbers from Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market between April 29 and May 14, 2025, take the following steps to protect yourself and others:
- Do Not Eat the Product: Even if the cucumbers appear fresh and smell normal, they could still be contaminated. Discard them immediately.
- Check the Purchase Date: Review your receipts or note the approximate date of purchase. Any cucumbers bought within the affected timeframe should be treated as recalled.
- Look for the Source: These cucumbers were unlabeled, meaning they likely do not carry a brand sticker. If purchased from Bedner’s during the recall period, assume they are affected.
- Clean Storage Areas: Dispose of the cucumbers in a sealed bag and sanitize any surfaces or containers they touched to prevent cross-contamination.
- Contact the Company: For questions or additional information, contact Bedner Growers, Inc. at 866-222-9180 (M–F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT).
- Monitor for Symptoms: If you or someone in your household consumed the cucumbers and experiences symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Behind the Brand
Bedner Growers, Inc. is a local Florida farm known for distributing fresh produce through its retail markets and wholesale channels. This recall is a first for the company, but Salmonella-related recalls are a recurring issue in the fresh produce sector.
Similar recent events include:
- On May 8, 2025, Advantage Health Matters Inc. issued a voluntary recall of its Organic Traditions Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds after being alerted to potential Salmonella contamination.
- May 2, 2025, Ray & Mascari Inc., a tomato supplier based in Indianapolis, Indiana, issued a voluntary recall of their 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes due to possible contamination with Salmonella, a bacteria you definitely don’t want to invite to your dinner table.
- On May 2, 2025, Williams Farms Repack LLC issued a voluntary recall for several tomato products under the H&C Farms and Williams Farms Repack labels after being notified by Southeast Tomato Distributors of a potential contamination.
- On February 6, Turkana Food Inc. from Kenilworth, NJ recalled 858 cases OF Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
- January 31, 2025, Blue Ridge Beef has issued a recall of 5,700 lbs. of its Natural Mix (2 lb log) due to Salmonella contamination.
“As a company dedicated to ingredient quality and safety, we understand how essential it is to uphold rigorous standards throughout the supply chain. This cucumber recall is a powerful reminder that even everyday produce can become a health risk when safety protocols slip. It highlights the industry’s ongoing responsibility to protect consumers—especially those most at risk—through thorough testing, supply chain transparency, and responsible sourcing.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall underscores the growing need for traceability, clear labeling, and rigorous food safety systems, particularly for businesses sourcing bulk ingredients and wholesale produce. Whether you’re a co-manufacturer, private label brand, or distributor, ensuring your ingredients are free from contamination is essential for both compliance and consumer trust.
Key takeaways for manufacturers and suppliers:
- Maintain transparent supplier records
- Enforce strict sanitation and testing procedures
- Respond quickly and clearly to product safety issues
If you purchased affected cucumbers, discard them immediately and consult with your supplier.
Want to ensure your next shipment is safe, traceable, and top-quality? Reach out to Source86 — your partner for high-quality, safe ingredients and smart sourcing solutions.
