In a recent announcement, federal health officials have determined that untreated water used by a cucumber grower in Florida is one likely source of a salmonella outbreak that has affected nearly 450 people across the United States this spring. However, it has been revealed that the Florida grower alone does not account for all of the cucumber-related illnesses and hospitalizations reported during the same period.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified salmonella in the untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida. The strain of bacteria found in the water matches the strain responsible for some of the reported illnesses in over 30 states and Washington, D.C. Further investigations have also detected additional types of salmonella in soil and water samples collected at the grower's site.

Bedner Growers supplied Fresh Start Produce Sales of Delray Beach, Florida, who subsequently recalled crates of cucumbers in late May after the initial cases were reported. Along with Fresh Start Produce Sales, Bedner Growers also supplied cucumbers to various locations where the ill individuals had reported purchasing or consuming the produce, as stated by the FDA.

It is important to note that the canal water was not directly applied to the edible parts of the cucumber plants but was instead used for subsoil watering. Steve Bedner, the owner of Bedner Growers, has clarified that this practice is compliant with federal rules and is considered a common industry practice.

Initially, investigators had identified two separate outbreaks of salmonella potentially linked to cucumbers; however, they have now combined the cases due to several similarities, including the timing and type of affected food. The FDA has reported that nearly 70% of the interviewed individuals who fell ill had consumed cucumbers before their symptoms appeared.

The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, although Bedner Growers' cucumber growing and harvesting season has already ended. Importantly, the FDA has confirmed that there is no remaining product from the farm on the market, which means there is likely no ongoing risk to the public.

As authorities continue their efforts to better understand the outbreak, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safe food handling practices and the role that untreated water could potentially play in contamination incidents.