FDA Issues Deadliest Recall Alert for Salmonella-Contaminated Cucumbers

Legal Help for Victims of Severe Illness or Death Caused by Recalled Cucumber Snack Trays and Vegetable Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall for cucumbers distributed by Supreme Produce and supplied by Bedner Growers Inc, following a multi-state salmonella outbreak. This designation is the most serious warning the FDA can issue, signaling that exposure to the contaminated products presents a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death.

More than 75,000 pounds of cucumber products—including snack trays, salads, and vegetable bowls—have been pulled from store shelves after being linked to a salmonella outbreak that has already sickened 45 people and hospitalized 16across 18 states. While these specific products are now believed to be past their shelf life, the impact on affected families remains.

These products were sold between May 8 and May 21, 2025, in Kroger stores across Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, and Michigan. If you or a loved one suffered from fever, bloody diarrhea, or hospitalization after consuming cucumbers or pre-packaged salads during that time period, you may have grounds to pursue legal action.

Our law firm is currently investigating claims nationwide. If your family has been affected by this outbreak, we are here to help you understand your legal rights and options.

What Is Salmonella and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water. The bacteria are often found in produce exposed to animal waste, including untreated canal water used in agricultural operations. Once ingested, salmonella can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and, in vulnerable individuals, lead to life-threatening complications.

The symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and may include:

• Persistent fever
• Bloody or watery diarrhea
• Severe abdominal cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dehydration

While most healthy adults recover without hospitalization, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of deadly bloodstream infections, organ damage, and prolonged illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonella strikes more than 1.3 million Americans each year, causes 26,500 hospitalizations, and results in approximately 400 deaths annually. This makes any large-scale contamination involving produce a matter of urgent public health concern.

Background of the Bedner Growers Salmonella Outbreak

The current outbreak follows a pattern of previous food safety issues involving Bedner Growers Inc and its affiliated suppliers. During a 2024 investigation, FDA inspectors discovered salmonella contamination linked to the use of untreated canal water on farms operated by Bedner Growers and Thomas Produce Company. That outbreak resulted in 551 illnesses and 155 hospitalizations across 34 states and Washington, D.C.

A follow-up inspection in April 2025 confirmed that the same strain of salmonella bacteria was again present—this time in cucumbers supplied to Supreme Produce, which then distributed the tainted produce in snack trays and salads through Kroger stores. Despite these warnings, the products remained in circulation until the May 2025 recall.

This is not simply a case of mild food poisoning—it represents a failure in agricultural sanitation, product safety testing, and supply chain oversight. Families across the country have suffered severe harm as a result, and legal accountability is necessary.

Recalled Products That May Have Contaminated Consumers

The FDA’s recall applies to 16 specific cucumber and vegetable-based products that were distributed by Supreme Service Solutions LLC and sourced from Bedner Growers Inc. Consumers who purchased any of the following items between May 8 and May 21, 2025, should consult a medical provider and preserve all records:

Even though these products are no longer on store shelves, anyone who consumed them and became ill during or after the purchase window may still be at risk—and may have a legal claim if illness, hospitalization, or death occurred.

Who Is Most At Risk from Contaminated Produce?

While salmonella can affect anyone, certain individuals are particularly vulnerable to severe and possibly fatal complications. These include:

• Children under fiveyears old
• Older adults, especially those over 65
• Pregnant women
• People with compromised immune systemsdue to cancer, diabetes, HIV, or medications

For these groups, salmonella bacteria can escape the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic infections, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. Survivors often face prolonged recovery periods, intensive antibiotic treatment, and significant medical expenses.

If a member of your family fell into any of these categories and became ill after consuming one of the recalled products, immediate legal consultation is strongly recommended.

Legal Options for Victims and Families

Product liability laws protect consumers from harm caused by contaminated, defective, or dangerously manufactured food products. In a case like this—where a known salmonella outbreak was traced to a specific farm and distributor—affected individuals have the right to pursue legal claims for:

• Medical expenses(hospitalization, medication, ongoing treatment)
• Lost wagesduring recovery
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
• Wrongful deathdamages (for families who lost a loved one)

Food safety lawsuits may be filed against multiple parties, including:

• The original grower(Bedner Growers Inc)
• The distributor(Supreme Produce)
• Retailers(such as Kroger, if proper warnings were not posted)

Our law firm will investigate the facts of your case, collect necessary evidence (such as purchase receipts and medical records), and pursue the full compensation your family deserves.

Parker Waichman LLP: Representing Victims of Contaminated Food Nationwide

Our national civil litigation law firm is now reviewing injury and wrongful death cases linked to the recalled cucumber products distributed by Supreme Produce and sourced from Bedner Growers. If you or a loved one suffered illness or hospitalization from contaminated vegetables sold at Kroger or other retailers, we want to hear your story.

Foodborne illness lawsuits require deep legal and scientific understanding, which is why our legal team collaborates with medical experts, epidemiologists, and food safety investigators to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.

You only have a limited time to file your claim, so don’t wait. Even if you are unsure which product caused the illness, our team can help trace your exposure and identify the source.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love became seriously ill or died after consuming contaminated cucumbers or vegetable trays now under Class I recall, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The risk is real, and your rights deserve protection.

Call Parker Waichman LLP today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation. Our national legal team is standing by to help victims of foodborne illness hold negligent companies accountable. There are no fees unless we win. Don’t wait—your legal window may be closing.