Boynton Beach-Based Bedner Growers at Center of Multistate Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak
BOYNTON BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — A South Florida farm is at the center of a growing Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than two dozen people across the country. Bedner Growers, Inc., based in Boynton Beach, is recalling cucumbers sold at its three Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market locations after the FDA traced the outbreak to its produce.The recall, announced May 19, affects cucumbers sold directly to consumers between April 29 and May 14, 2025, at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach. The recalled produce was not labeled or stickered, making it difficult for customers to identify — a key reason officials are urging anyone who purchased cucumbers from those stores during that window to throw them away immediately (FDA Recall Notice).
In addition to retail sales, Bedner Growers also supplied cucumbers to Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., a Delray Beach-based distributor. That produce was then shipped to retailers, wholesalers, and food service providers nationwide, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA Outbreak Advisory).
So far, 26 confirmed Salmonella Montevideo infections have been reported in 15 states, including Florida, with nine people requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. The most recent illness onset was recorded on April 28.
FDA investigators took environmental samples from Bedner Growers during an April inspection as part of a follow-up to two separate Salmonella outbreaks in 2024 linked to the same farm. The samples tested positive for Salmonella, and genome sequencing matched them to recent cases in this outbreak, confirming the connection.
Boynton Beach residents are being urged to exercise caution. “If you bought cucumbers at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market between April 29 and May 14, do not eat them,” the FDA advises. “Throw them away and sanitize any surfaces or containers they touched.”
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, usually appearing within 12 to 72 hours of exposure. Those at greatest risk for severe illness include young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The recall only includes cucumbers from the affected date range. Bedner’s markets continue to sell other farm-fresh produce, but none of the current cucumber inventory was grown by Bedner Growers, which has since ended its cucumber season.
Restaurants and distributors who received the affected cucumbers have been instructed to notify their customers and sanitize any display bins or preparation surfaces that may have been contaminated.
Local shoppers with questions can reach Bedner Growers directly at 866-222-9180, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.
The FDA and CDC are continuing to investigate and trace product distribution routes to prevent further illness.
Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash
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