The outbreak traces back to cucumbers distributed by Bedner Growers, Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida, which set off the initial recall on May 19.

Following Bedner's recall, PennRose Farms, LLC promptly recalled cucumbers received from Bedner on May 21. This has since cascaded into multiple recalls from various companies. Notably, Walmart has retracted Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices sold at specific Texas locations between May 13 and May 20.

The Coastal Companies, based in Maryland, has also issued a recall involving cucumbers sold under several brand names, including East Coast Fresh, Wellsley Farms, and Weis, among others. These products, distributed from May 6 to May 21, reached customers across Washington D.C., Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont, and North Carolina.

Another major recall comes from JFE Franchising Inc. of Houston, impacting 30 different products containing the cucumbers, which were sold at Kroger, Roundy's, and Weis Market locations in various states including Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, and several others.

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods, LLC from Richmond, Virginia has also pulled cucumber salads from shelves in Food Lion stores in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as Kroger locations in Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The FDA advises consumers not to consume any listed cucumber products and to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. As of May 23, 26 people in 15 states have reported illnesses due to the contaminated cucumbers, with nine hospitalizations. States reporting cases include Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, and others.

Salmonella infections can be severe for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Typical symptoms range from fever and diarrhea to nausea and abdominal pain, with more severe complications potentially occurring if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Consumers should remain vigilant and consult the FDA for detailed lists of the recalled products and affected states.