Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers: What El Paso Needs to Know

A salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers is making people sick across the country, including in states not originally thought to be at risk. Because these cucumbers were sold randomly and without clear labels, it's hard to know exactly where they ended up.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe, especially if you’ve had cucumbers in your fridge or on your plate lately.

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FDA Recalls Cucumbers Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

The outbreak is tied to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers in South Florida between April 29 and May 19. Those cucumbers were shipped nationwide through a distributor called Fresh Start Produce Sales and may have ended up in grocery stores, restaurants, and food prep services without labels or brand names.

That makes it nearly impossible to trace where the contaminated cucumbers are now. So far, 26 people in 15 states have gotten sick, and 9 were hospitalized. While Texas hasn’t officially reported cases yet, the way these cucumbers were sold means they could be here.

If you’ve bought cucumbers recently and can’t confirm where they came from, the FDA says to throw them away.

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Symptoms of Salmonella and How to Stay Safe

Salmonella symptoms usually start 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and may include:

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Stomach cramps

• Vomiting

Most people recover without treatment, but salmonella can cause dangerous dehydration and more serious illness, especially for young kids, seniors, and people with compromised immune systems.

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Discard cucumbers if the source is unknown

• Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often

• Rinse produce under running water (don’t use soap or let it soak)

• Ask restaurants where their cucumbers come from

• Sanitize containers or drawers where cucumbers were stored

Peeling cucumbers might reduce your risk, but it’s not a guarantee.

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Why El Paso Residents Should Pay Attention

Cucumbers are a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes AND drinks served around El Paso. This recall isn’t just about supermarket produce, these cucumbers may have made their way into restaurants, food trucks, and local events.

Until the FDA completes its investigation, the safest option is to avoid cucumbers unless you know they’re not from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales.

If you’ve eaten cucumbers recently and develop any symptoms, call your doctor and mention this outbreak. It’s better to be safe, especially when the illness can escalate quickly.