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Investigation Details
Posted August 22, 2024
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections. Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory data showed that cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella and made people sick.
CDC and FDA combined two outbreak investigations of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections as they shared several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people and the foods they reported eating before they became sick.
Epidemiologic Data
As of August 22, 2024, a total of 551 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella Africana or Salmonella Braenderup were reported from 34 states and the District of Columbia (see map). Of these illnesses, 269 people were infected with the Salmonella Braenderup strain and 282 people were infected with the Salmonella Africana strain. Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to July 26, 2024 (see timeline). Of 456 people with information available, 155 were hospitalized and no deaths were reported.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak was likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not have been limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
| Demographics | Information |
|---|---|
| Age (n=549) |
Range from <1 to 94 years Median age of 48 |
| Sex (n=548) |
68% female 32% male |
| Race (n=452) |
84% White 12% African American/Black <1% Native American or Alaska Native 3% Asian 0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander <1% Middle Eastern/North African <1% reported more than one race |
| Ethnicity (n=451) |
90% non-Hispanic 10% Hispanic |
State and local public health officials interviewed people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 226 people interviewed, 155 (69%) reported eating cucumbers. This percentage was significantly higher than the 50% of respondents who reported eating cucumbers in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating cucumbers.
Laboratory and Traceback Data
Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may have been part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak likely got sick from the same type of food.
WGS analysis of bacteria from 268 people’s samples and six environmental samples had no predicted resistance to antibiotics and bacteria from 275 people’s samples predicted resistance to fosfomycin only. Eight people’s samples predicted resistance to two or more of the following antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, and tetracycline. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) site. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are needed, some illnesses in this outbreak may be difficult to treat with some commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice.
Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory data determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida and Thomas Produce Company of Boca Raton, Florida were likely sources of illnesses in this outbreak; however, these growers did not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.
As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company, and collected samples. Salmonella Braenderup was identified in canal water at both farms. WGS determined that the Salmonella found in canal water matched two of the strains of Salmonella Braenderup that made some of the people in this outbreak sick. Additional types of Salmonella were detected in both soil and water samples collected at both Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company. Bedner Growers, Inc.’s and Thomas Produce Company’s cucumber growing and harvesting season is over. There is no product from these farms on the market and no ongoing risk to the public.
Public Health Actions
Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. issued a recall of whole cucumbers due to the potential of being contaminated with Salmonella. Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company in Florida are no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season. There is no product from these farms on the market and no ongoing risk to the public.
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections. Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory data show that cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella and made people sick.
CDC and FDA combined these two outbreak investigations as they shared several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people and the foods they reported eating before they became sick.
Epidemiologic Data
As of July 2, a total of 449 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from 31 states and the District of Columbia (see map). Of these illnesses, 215 people were infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup strain. Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to June 4, 2024 (see timeline). Of 360 people with information available, 125 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
| Demographics | Information |
|---|---|
| Age (n=447) |
Range from <1 to 94 years Median age of 45 |
| Sex (n=445) |
66% female 34% male |
| Race (n=360) |
84% White 11% African American/Black <1% Native American or Alaska Native 3% Asian 0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander <1% Middle Eastern/North African <1% reported more than one race |
| Ethnicity (n=351) |
90% non-Hispanic 10% Hispanic |
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 188 people interviewed, 129 (69%) reported eating cucumbers. This percentage was significantly higher than the 50% of respondents who reported eating cucumbers in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating cucumbers.
Laboratory and Traceback Data
Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may have been part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS).WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak likely got sick from the same type of food.
WGS analysis of bacteria from 214 people’s samples had no predicted resistance; bacteria from 235 people’s samples predicted resistance to one or more of the following antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, and tetracycline. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) site. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are needed, some illnesses in this outbreak may be difficult to treat with some commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice.
FDA’s laboratory and traceback data, along with epidemiologic information, have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton, Florida, are likely sources of illnesses in this outbreak; however, these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.
Based on traceback information collected, Thomas Produce Company supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported eating cucumbers. As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Thomas Produce Company and collected samples. Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of canal water used by Thomas Produce Company. WGS analysis determined that the water used by Thomas Produce Company contained the Salmonella that is a match to a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak.
Additional types of Salmonella were detected in both soil and water samples collected at both Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company. Multiple other strains of Salmonella, unrelated to this outbreak investigation, found at Bedner Growers, Inc. matched clinical isolates from illnesses in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) database that occurred in previous years. CDC and FDA are working to determine whether other positive samples from Thomas Produce Company match historical clinical isolates.
Bedner Growers, Inc.’s and Thomas Produce Company’s cucumber growing and harvesting season is over. There is no product from these farms on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public.
Public Health Actions
Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company in Florida are no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season. There is no product from these farms on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public.
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections. Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory data show that cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella and made people sick.
CDC and FDA combined these two outbreak investigations as they shared several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people and the foods they reported eating before they became sick.
Epidemiologic Data
As of July 2, a total of 449 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from 31 states and the District of Columbia (see map). Of these illnesses, 215 people were infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup strain. Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to June 4, 2024 (see timeline). Of 360 people with information available, 125 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
| Demographics | Information |
|---|---|
| Age (n=447) |
Range from <1 to 94 years Median age of 45 |
| Sex (n=445) |
66% female 34% male |
| Race (n=360) |
84% White 11% African American/Black <1% Native American or Alaska Native 3% Asian 0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander <1% Middle Eastern/North African <1% reported more than one race |
| Ethnicity (n=351) |
90% non-Hispanic 10% Hispanic |
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 188 people interviewed, 129 (69%) reported eating cucumbers. This percentage was significantly higher than the 50% of respondents who reported eating cucumbers in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating cucumbers.
Laboratory and Traceback Data
Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may have been part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS).WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak likely got sick from the same type of food.
WGS analysis of bacteria from 214 people’s samples had no predicted resistance; bacteria from 235 people’s samples predicted resistance to one or more of the following antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, and tetracycline. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) site. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are needed, some illnesses in this outbreak may be difficult to treat with some commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice.
FDA’s traceback investigation identified Bedner Growers, Inc., in Florida as a supplier of cucumbers in this outbreak. This one grower does not account for all illnesses in this outbreak.
FDA collected samples at the grower in Florida and identified Salmonella Braenderup in untreated canal water. WGS determined that the Salmonella found in the water is the same strain of Salmonella Braenderup that made people in this outbreak sick. Additional soil and water samples collected at Bedner Growers, Inc. were positive for other strains of Salmonella. CDC and FDA are looking to see if these strains have caused illness in people.
Public Health Actions
Bedner Growers, Inc. in Florida, where the positive sample was collected, is no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season.
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections. Epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick.
CDC and FDA are also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infections, with 185 illnesses in 24 states. The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people. Investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be linked to the same food. Information will be provided on the source of the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak as it becomes available.
Epidemiologic Data
As of June 12, a total of 196 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 28 states and the District of Columbia (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to May 23, 2024 (see timeline). Of 164 people with information available, 68 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
| Demographics | Information |
|---|---|
| Age (n=195) |
Range from <1 to 94 years Median age of 41 |
| Sex (n=194) |
62% female 38% male |
| Race (n=158) |
84% White 12% African American/Black 1% Native American or Alaska Native 3% Asian 0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0% reported more than one race |
| Ethnicity (n=153) |
88% non-Hispanic 12% Hispanic |
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 85 people interviewed, 63 (74%) reported eating cucumbers. This percentage was significantly higher than the 50% of respondents who reported eating cucumbers in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating cucumbers.
Laboratory Data
WGS analysis of bacteria from 196 people’s samples predicted resistance to fosfomycin. Among these, bacteria from 6 people’s samples also predicted resistance to one or more of the following antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) site. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are needed, some illnesses in this outbreak may be difficult to treat with some commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice.
As part of the Salmonella Africana investigation, officials in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected samples of cucumbers from several retail locations in the state. Testing identified Salmonella Bareilly, a different strain of Salmonella than the one making people sick in this outbreak. CDC is not currently investigating an outbreak of illnesses with this strain.
Public Health Actions
CDC advises people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled cucumbers while the investigation is ongoing.
The Florida grower that supplied the recalled cucumbers to Fresh Start is no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season.
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections. Epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick.
CDC and FDA are also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup infections, with 158 illnesses in 23 states. The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people. Investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be linked to the same food. Information will be provided on the source of the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak as it becomes available.
Epidemiologic Data
As of June 4, a total of 162 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 25 states and the District of Columbia (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 11, 2024, to May 16, 2024 (see timeline). Of 127 people with information available, 54 have been hospitalized and 0 deaths have been reported.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
| Demographics | Information |
|---|---|
| Age (n=161) |
Range from <1 to 92 years Median age of 40 |
| Sex (n=159) |
64% female 36% male |
| Race (n=120) |
83% White 13% African American/Black 1% Native American or Alaska Native 3% Asian 0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0% reported more than one race |
| Ethnicity (n=115) |
89% non-Hispanic 11% Hispanic |
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers. This percentage was significantly higher than the 50% of respondents who reported eating cucumbers in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating cucumbers.
Laboratory Data
Public health investigators used the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may have been part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS).
WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak likely got sick from the same type of food.
WGS analysis of bacteria from 162 people’s samples predicted resistance to fosfomycin. Among these, bacteria from 5 people’s samples also predicted resistance to one or more of the following antibiotics: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, azithromycin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) site. Most people with Salmonella illness recover without antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are needed, some illnesses in this outbreak may be difficult to treat with some commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice.
As part of this investigation, officials in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected samples of cucumbers from several retail locations in the state. Testing identified Salmonella in one sample of these cucumbers. Further testing is underway to determine if the strain of Salmonella from the cucumber sample is the same strain that is making people sick.
Public Health Actions
CDC advises people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled cucumbers while the investigation is ongoing.
Cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. are from a variety of growers. The grower that likely supplied potentially contaminated cucumbers is no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season.
