The FDA is recalling some cucumbers after salmonella outbreak. Here’s how it impacts North Carolina.

Bedner Growers’ brand of cucumbers was recalled by the Food and Drug Administration this week after a multi-state outbreak of reported salmonella. That includes products shipped to North Carolina.

According to a statement from the FDA, cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and supplied by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. have been distributed to retailers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service providers from April 29, 2025, through May 19, 2025. Any cucumbers distributed prior to this period are expected to have surpassed their shelf life and should no longer be available for sale.

Here is what we know about the outbreak and what else is currently being recalled by the FDA in May.

How many reported illnesses were from recalled cucumbers?

According to a report from the FDA, here are the numbers of people who have been reportedly ill and those who have been hospitalized:

• Illnesses: 26
• Hospitalizations: 9

What states are affected by the cucumber recall?

• New York
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Alabama
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Missouri

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections linked to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc

What is salmonella?

Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is a widespread bacterial illness that affects the intestinal tract. The bacteria usually reside in the intestines of animals and humans and are expelled through feces. Humans are most commonly infected by consuming contaminated food or water.

What are the symptoms of salmonella infection?

Here are the symptoms of a salmonella infection as stated by the CDC:

• Most people infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
• Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.
• Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
• Some people — especially children younger than five years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems — may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

What should customers do if they have a recalled product in their home?

It’s good to be aware if you recently purchased a recalled product. There are steps to follow if you do have these products in your home. According to FoodSafety.gov, here is what you should do.

• Don’t panic: The majority of food recalls are not directly linked to an outbreak of foodborne illness. Instead, many recalls are initiated due to the potential risk of contamination in the food product. In such cases, food manufacturers often issue a recall as a preventive measure to safeguard consumers.
• Don’t eat the food or consume the drug: To ensure your safety, refrain from consuming any recalled food products. Always prioritize caution over convenience. Additionally, please refrain from donating the recalled food to food banks or providing it to your pets, as they are also susceptible to food poisoning.
• Don’t open the food: To prevent foodborne illnesses, refrain from opening and inspecting food. Bacteria and viruses responsible for such illnesses are invisible, odorless, and tasteless. If you do handle the product, ensure you thoroughly cleanse your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds afterward.
• Check the recall notice to find out what to do with the food: Upon a food product recall by a manufacturer, specific instructions are provided regarding the product’s handling. These instructions generally entail one of the following actions: Return the product to the original store of purchase for a refund. Safely dispose of the product to prevent consumption by humans or animals, particularly if the product has been opened.

FDA recalls: Here’s a list of what else was pulled from shelves in May 2025 so far

Cucumbers aren’t the only thing being recalled this month. Here is the current list of recalled foods and drugs for the month of May:

• Madeline’s Pâtisserie Croissants and Croissant Buns: Recalled for undeclared allergen – wheat.
• Bedner Growers cucumbers: Recalled for salmonella.
• RM Refresher Instant Milk Tea Powder: Recalled for undeclared milk.
• Bengal King Family Pack Vegetable Singara: Recalled for undeclared allergen – peanut.
• Ariana Afghani Corn Bread: Recalled for undeclared allergen – sesame, wheat.
• Nature Mills Rice Mixes, Soups, Spice Mixes, Porridge Mix, Papads and Vadam Products: Recalled for undeclared allergen – wheat, milk, sesame.
• Bonya Low Fat Yogurt Parfaits: recalled for undeclared allergen – tree nuts (almonds).
• Fresh & Ready Foods, Fresh Take Crave Away, City Point Market Fresh Food to Go ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items: Recalled for potential listeria monocytogenes contamination.
• New Grain Gluten Free Bakery breads, bagels, cookies and croutons: Recalled for undeclared eggs, soy, and milk.
• Organic traditions Organic Jumbo Pumpkin Seeds: Recalled for potential foodborne illness – salmonella.
• Sacred Tattoo Ink Sacred Tattoo Ink, Raven Black; CI# 77266; Lot#: RB0624; Best Before: June 28 2027, Sacred Tattoo Ink, Sunny Daze; CI# 21095; Lot#: SD1124; Best Before: Nov 1 2027: Tattoo inks that are contaminated with bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Endurance Boost dietary supplement for male performance and energy: Recalled for undeclared Propoxyphenylsildenafil, Sildenafil.
• New England Village Snacks 19th Hole Snack Mix: Recalled for undeclared almonds and sesame.
• President Brand licorice plum: Potential or undeclared allergen – sulfites, unapproved color – Amaranth (E123).
• Yellowstone baked beans: Recalled for potential or undeclared allergen – soy.
• Ray & Mascari Inc. tomatoes: Recalled for potential foodborne Illness – salmonella.
• H&C Farms Label tomatoes: Recalled for potential foodborne Illness – salmonell

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman. Reporting by Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman

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