Federal health authorities have identified untreated water used by a cucumber grower in Florida as a likely source of a salmonella outbreak that affected nearly 450 individuals across the United States this spring. Salmonella matching the outbreak strain was found in untreated canal water at Bedner Growers Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida, with additional salmonella types detected in soil and water samples. Bedner Growers, which supplied Fresh Start Produce Sales in Delray Beach, Florida, implemented a recall of cucumber crates in late May following initial illness reports. The FDA highlighted that the canal water was utilized for subsoil watering, a method not directly involving the edible parts of the cucumber plants and considered a common industry practice. With Bedner Growers' cucumber season concluded and no remaining products on the market, the FDA indicates no ongoing risk to the public.

Source: ABC News July 04, 2024 11:52 UTC