Large salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers: at least 300 victims identified so far

162 Salmonella Africana and 158 Salmonella Braenderup illnesses across much of the United States (at least 25 states). Up to three-quarters of Africana outbreak victims remember eating cucumbers during the incubation period. This outbreak was linked to cucumbers grown in Florida and hospitalized more than 50 people.

Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., of Delray, Florida, issued a recall after one of its produce samples tested positive for salmonella. Although it remains to be seen whether products from other producers are also involved, rapid measures have been taken to prevent further illnesses.

State and federal agencies are on alert and are searching for additional cases consistent with this ongoing outbreak.

According to Ron Simon, the nation's salmonella advocate, “the full impact of this outbreak is still unknown, but early figures indicate a very large-scale outbreak, with many, many more victims yet to be identified.” We will soon file an initial complaint regarding this cucumber salmonella outbreak to begin using the discovery process to identify what went wrong in the production and packaging of this product.

Consumers should exercise caution when consuming cucumbers if they are unsure of their origin.