Clearwater, FL — Florida Cucumber Grower Linked to Repeated Salmonella Outbreaks

Clearwater, FL (May 27th, 2025) – In May 2025, multistate salmonella outbreaks were linked to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Florida, marking the second such incident involving the company in consecutive years. The outbreak has resulted in 26 reported illnesses across 15 states, with nine hospitalizations. 

At Light & Wyatt, we stay alert to food recalls and outbreak investigations so we can help Florida families protect their rights when preventable illnesses cause serious harm. If you or someone you love became ill after consuming contaminated cucumbers, our firm may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. We hold negligent growers, distributors, and retailers accountable for putting unsafe products into the food supply. Contact us today to discuss your case. 727-499-9900.

For consumers, this latest recall highlights ongoing risks in the food supply chain. For businesses and growers, it’s a warning that failures in safety compliance can carry serious legal and financial consequences.

What Products Are Affected By the Salmonella Outbreaks?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of whole cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. These cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and shipped to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service providers in multiple states.

The recalled cucumbers were sold between May 17 and May 21, 2025. Initial testing identified the salmonella strain in a sample from a shipment originating at Bedner Growers. 

A complete list of affected distribution points and recall updates is available on the FDA’s outbreak investigation page. English cucumbers and mini cucumbers are not included in this recall.

The FDA recommends that consumers and food service providers:

• Dispose of any recalled cucumbers immediately
• Clean and sanitize surfaces that came into contact with the produce
• Monitor for symptoms of salmonella infection
• Report illness to FoodSafety.gov

What Causes Salmonella Contamination in Produce?

Salmonella contamination in fresh produce like cucumbers typically happens long before the food reaches your plate. The bacteria can be introduced at various points along the supply chain, from the field to the packing facility to the distributor. When proper food safety controls break down, the risk of contamination increases dramatically.

Common sources of salmonella contamination include:

• Contaminated irrigation water: Using untreated water from canals, ponds, or runoff for crop irrigation can introduce salmonella onto the surface of the produce.
• Improper handling during harvesting: Workers may unintentionally transfer bacteria from their hands or tools to produce during the picking process.
• Unclean packing equipment: If the machinery used to wash, sort, or pack vegetables isn’t properly sanitized, it can become a vehicle for cross-contamination.
• Animal intrusion: Wildlife such as birds, rodents, or livestock near fields can introduce fecal bacteria to crops.
• Inadequate temperature control: If cucumbers are not kept at safe temperatures during storage and transport, bacteria already present may multiply to dangerous levels.

In the 2024 outbreak tied to Bedner Growers, investigators found untreated canal water was used on crops, an avoidable and well-known risk. Whether a similar lapse occurred in 2025 is still under investigation. What’s clear is that these risks are preventable. When growers and distributors ignore basic food safety practices, the consequences can be widespread.

Food safety protocols under the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule are designed to reduce these risks. Failure to comply may serve as evidence of negligence in legal claims arising from foodborne illness.

What Are the Legal Implications?

This isn’t just a health issue. It’s a legal one. Food producers, distributors, and retailers are legally responsible for ensuring that the products they bring to market are safe for consumption. When that duty is breached, affected individuals may pursue compensation through a foodborne illness claim.

Under Florida law and federal regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), growers and distributors must follow preventive controls. If they fail to meet those standards, they may be held liable for damages caused by contaminated products. In this case, the fact that Bedner Growers has now been linked to two outbreaks in two years may increase scrutiny and potential legal exposure.

If you’ve been sickened and incurred medical costs or lost wages, a defective products claim may help you recover those losses.

Can You File a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

If you’ve suffered serious illness due to contaminated cucumbers or another tainted product, you may be entitled to compensation. A successful claim will need to prove the product was contaminated when it left the manufacturer, the contamination caused your illness, and you suffered measurable damages (e.g., medical bills, missed work).

Often, health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can help trace outbreaks and confirm whether your illness is part of a larger pattern. A Clearwater personal injury lawyer can use that evidence to build your case.

Sickened by Contaminated Cucumbers? Light & Wyatt Can Help

If you or a loved one became seriously ill after consuming cucumbers linked to the salmonella outbreak, you may be entitled to compensation. Growers, distributors, and retailers have a legal obligation to ensure that the food they provide is safe. When they cut corners or ignore known risks, they can, and should, be held responsible.

At Light & Wyatt, our Florida-based product liability attorneys help victims of foodborne illness pursue claims against negligent companies. We work to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, long-term health complications, and more. With decades of experience handling complex product liability cases, we know what it takes to hold food producers accountable.

Call us at (727) 499-9900 to schedule a free consultation. 

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association