In collaboration with state and local partners, the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup. As of July 2, 2024thee were 449 illnesses in 31 states and the District of Columbia. These illnesses caused 215 people to be infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup. While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, the CDC and FDA combined these outbreak investigations. They shared several similarities, including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people, and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc. (Boynton Beach, Florida) are a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak. As part of the investigation, the FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Bedner Growers, Inc. As part of this inspection, the FDA collected samples, and Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers. WGS determined that the Salmonella found in the water used by Bedner Growers, Inc. matches a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak. Based on traceback information collected, Bedner Growers, Inc. supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported purchasing or eating cucumbers. There is no product from this farm on the market, and there is likely no ongoing risk to the public. Additionally, this grower does not account for all the illnesses in the outbreak. These illnesses caused 215 people to be infected with the newly added Salmonella Braenderup. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-june-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
