Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Cucumbers Sickens Nearly 450 in Michigan, Other States

A salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers grown in Florida has sickened about 450 people in Michigan and 30 other states.

So far, about 125 people have been hospitalized due to the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Michigan, nine people have been reported to have fallen ill.

Where Did the Outbreak Originate?

According to WXYZ-TV, the salmonella outbreak has been traced to untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida. The salmonella strain found in the canal water matched the strain of bacteria that caused the illness.

There were additional types of salmonella found in soil and water samples taken from the area.

About 70% of the people who have fallen ill reported eating cucumbers before they got sick.

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Details of the Tainted Product

The produce that has been linked to the outbreak includes previously recalled cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc. and grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Florida.

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Bender Growers' growing season has ended, and no further products should be available in stores at this time.

Keep Your Family Safe From Salmonella

The CDC has the following tips to help prevent getting sick from salmonella:

• Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or peeling.
• Separate: Keep food that won’t be cooked separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure you have cooked your food to a temperature high enough to kill germs.
• Chill: Refrigerate perishable food (food that goes bad) within 2 hours. If the outside temperature is hotter than 90°F, refrigerate within 1 hour. Thaw food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.