Cucumber Recall Expanded: Alabama Among 15 States Affected by Salmonella Outbreak

A cucumber recall linked to a salmonella outbreak has expanded this week, now including products sold at major grocery stores such as Walmart and Albertsons. Alabama is among the 15 states impacted, with several illnesses already reported.

The recall began last week after Florida-based Bedner Growers announced that its cucumbers may be contaminated with salmonella. Since then, the outbreak has been tied to more than two dozen illnesses across the U.S., including nine hospitalizations. Several of those cases have been confirmed in Alabama.

The cucumbers, distributed between May 14 and May 21, were shipped to restaurants, wholesalers, and retail stores in Alabama, as well as California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Many of the recalled cucumbers were sold loose or in unlabeled packages, making them difficult for consumers to identify.

This week, major grocery retailers have taken action:

• Walmart has recalled its Marketside brand fresh-cut cucumber slices.

• Albertsons pulled Ready to Eat and Star Market Greek Salads from its stores.

• Kroger issued a customer warning, advising people to avoid any cucumbers from Bedner Growers purchased during the recall window.

Alabama health officials are urging residents to check their kitchens and dispose of any cucumbers if the source is unknown. The CDC recommends washing and sanitizing all surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the cucumbers using hot, soapy water.

If you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps after eating cucumbers, health experts advise seeking medical attention immediately.

Consumers can find the full list of recalled products on the FDA’s website.