Nationwide Health Alert: Urgent Salad Recall Over Fatal Contamination Risk

(Concise, urgent, and highlights severity, scope, and product while adhering to the 15-word limit.)

Urgent Multi-State Salad Recall: Salmonella Risk in Cucumber Products
(Approx. 600 words)

Image: Health officials warn of contaminated cucumber products linked to a salmonella outbreak.

Key Recalls Announced
Two major recalls have been issued for cucumber-containing products linked to a dangerous salmonella outbreak. Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods (Virginia) and Bedner Growers, Inc. (Florida) are recalling salads and cucumbers sold across multiple states.

Affected Products & Stores

• Ukrop’s Recalls:

  • Marinated Cucumber Salad (16 oz, 36 oz)
  • Marinated Cucumber Salad Bulk (5 lb)
  • Sell-By Dates: May 11, 2025 – May 26, 2025
  • Sold At: Kroger (VA, WV, OH, KY), Food Lion (VA, NC), and select Virginia stores.
• Bedner Growers Recalls:
  • Cucumbers sold between April 29 – May 14, 2025.
  • Locations: Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets (FL) and distributors in 14+ states.

States Impacted
The outbreak spans 14 states, including Florida, Virginia, California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. At least 26 people have fallen ill, with 9 hospitalized.

Image: States reporting salmonella cases linked to contaminated cucumbers.

What to Do

• Check your fridge: Discard recalled products or return them for a refund.
• Symptoms: Fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps (onset 6 hours to 6 days after exposure).
• Seek medical help if symptoms occur.

Outbreak Details
The FDA traced the salmonella strain to cucumbers from Bedner Growers. Some cases involved people who ate cucumbers on Florida-based cruise ships. The CDC warns that products may lack labels, so consumers should err on the side of caution.

Background: 2024 Outbreak Connection
This follows a 2024 salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers from the same region, which sickened 551 people. Contamination was traced to untreated water used on farms.

Why It Matters
Salmonella causes 1.35 million U.S. infections annually, leading to 26,000+ hospitalizations. Most recover, but severe cases can be fatal.

Image: Salmonella bacteria under a microscope.

Stay Safe

• Avoid unlabeled cucumbers or salads from the listed stores.
• Follow FDA updates at FDA.gov.

For refunds, contact Ukrop’s (1-800-XXX-XXXX) or Bedner’s (1-888-XXX-XXXX).

This article has been condensed to focus on critical details. Check official sources for updates.