CDC Warns of Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers | CDC Newsroom
A multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to cucumbers has sickened at least 68 people in 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and Prevention. The CDC issued a food safety alert on February 21, 2026, warning consumers not to eat recalled cucumbers.
The investigation has identified cucumbers grown by Agrotato, S.A. De C.V. In Sonora, Mexico, as the likely source of the outbreak. Recalled cucumbers from SunFed Produce, LLC, are specifically implicated. On November 27, 2024, SunFed Produce LLC initiated a recall of all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers intended for retail or food service.
The CDC advises consumers to check the stickers on their cucumbers. If the sticker indicates “SunFed Mexico” as the origin, the cucumbers should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase. Consumers who purchased whole fresh American cucumbers between October 12 and November 26, 2024, and cannot determine their origin, are also urged to throw them away. The agency further recommends washing and sanitizing any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically begin within six hours to six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Even as most individuals recover within four to seven days without treatment, severe cases can require hospitalization, particularly among children under five years old, adults 65 and older, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been collaborating with the CDC and state and local partners in the investigation. In August 2024, the FDA linked Salmonella strains found in untreated canal water near Bedner Growers Inc., in Palm Beach County, Florida, to the outbreak strain. However, the FDA stated that Bedner Growers Inc. “does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.” Thomas Produce Co., also located in Palm Beach County, was identified as another potential source, though the company has denied a direct connection, stating that a matching Salmonella strain was found in a water sample from an irrigation canal on one of its farms.
A previous outbreak in 2025, linked to cucumbers grown by Bedner, saw at least 551 people sickened across 31 states and the District of Columbia, with 155 hospitalizations. That outbreak was declared over in August 2024 after testing determined the source to be untreated canal water used by the grower, and because affected cucumbers were no longer in season.
The CDC advises individuals experiencing severe Salmonella symptoms to seek medical attention. State health departments have been contacted for additional information regarding cases within their jurisdictions.