Cucumber Crisis Is Your Salad a Salmonella Bomb?

Why Are So Many People Getting Sick From Eating Cucumbers?

A seemingly harmless salad staple, the cucumber, is once again under scrutiny as a source of salmonella outbreaks across the United States. Following a major outbreak last year that infected over 550 people, sending 155 to the hospital, cucumbers are once again making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

This time, **45 people in 18 states** have recently contracted salmonella in an outbreak linked to cucumbers from **Bedner Growers in Palm Beach County, Florida**. This has triggered a widespread recall affecting various products, from California rolls sold at Target to banh mi sandwiches served at a North Carolina high school.

What's particularly concerning is that this isn't the first time Bedner Growers has been implicated. Last year, the FDA discovered that the farm was using untreated canal water for irrigation, and this water was contaminated with one of the salmonella strains responsible for the outbreak.

So, what's going on? Let's delve deeper into the details:

• The Culprit: Contaminated cucumbers, specifically those traced back to Bedner Growers in Florida.
• The Impact: 45 confirmed cases across 18 states and a widespread recall of products containing these cucumbers.
• The Cause (Suspected): Untreated canal water used for irrigation, contaminated with salmonella.

Why Cucumbers?

While we often associate salmonella with raw eggs or undercooked chicken, fresh produce like cucumbers can also be a significant source. Cooking can kill the bacteria, but cucumbers are typically eaten raw, making them vulnerable to contamination. This highlights the critical importance of protecting fresh produce from pathogens present in irrigation or washing water.

Tara Chaffin, a victim of last year's outbreak, shared her shock: "I wouldn’t expect a fruit or a vegetable to get me sick. I would never expect it." Her experience underscores the unexpected nature of foodborne illnesses from seemingly healthy foods.

Recurring Issues and Regulatory Concerns

Epidemiologist Craig Hedberg from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health emphasizes the severity of the situation: "It’s disturbing when you see the same grower implicated two years in a row. It’s clear that this particular grower and potentially other growers in that region really need to take a look at where their water comes from and how they’re treating it before they’re using it."

The back-to-back recalls highlight the critical threat of contaminated water in produce farming. While a new FDA rule requires farmers to conduct water safety assessments, concerns are rising:

• Budget Cuts: Some fear that budget cuts to food safety programs may hinder education and outreach to farmers about the new rule.
• Self-Regulation: Critics argue that the rule allows farmers to self-regulate, potentially weakening its effectiveness.

Anne Schechinger from the Environmental Working Group warns, "The rule really allows farmers to be regulating themselves."

Industry Response

The International Fresh Produce Association asserts that most growers already manage their water risks effectively and have systems in place to quickly remove problematic products. Max Teplitski, the group’s chief science officer, stated, "Continuous improvement is a part of industry’s safety culture."

Fallout and Future Prevention

Fresh Start Produce Sales, the distributor of the implicated cucumbers, has taken decisive action by dropping Bedner Growers as a supplier. "We require our suppliers to meet all U.S. food safety standards," a spokesperson stated. "In light of this incident, we have no future plans to purchase cucumbers from the farm, and we are reviewing our supplier approval programs to help prevent future issues."

A Personal Toll

For individuals like Tara Chaffin, the experience was deeply unpleasant. She recounts, "It was the worst sick I’ve ever been in my life." The impact of foodborne illnesses extends beyond physical discomfort, disrupting lives and raising concerns about food safety.

In Conclusion

The recurring salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges in ensuring food safety. While measures are being taken to improve water safety and supplier accountability, vigilance and continuous improvement are crucial. As consumers, staying informed about recalls and practicing safe food handling at home remains essential. The journey to safer produce requires a collaborative effort from growers, regulators, and consumers alike.

Tags: salmonella outbreak, food poisoning, cucumber recall, Bedner Growers, Florida farm, food safety, FDA, salad, foodborne illness, food safety news

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/recall/cucumber-recall-salmonella-outbreak-people-getting-sick-rcna210723