- CDC confirms a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to whole cucumbers.
- 45 cases reported across 18 U.S. states, including cruise ship passengers.
- FDA found Salmonella strains in cucumber samples during testing.
- Major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Target have issued recalls.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an urgent health advisory as it investigates a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections linked to whole cucumbers. As of May 30, 2025, 45 cases have been confirmed across 18 states, with at least 16 hospitalizations, the CDC announced in its latest investigation update.
Contaminated Cucumbers Found in FDA Testing
According to the CDC, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella in cucumber samples collected during routine surveillance. Additional Salmonella strains were also found. Although the cucumbers have been recalled, the agency warns they may still be present in home refrigerators.
Outbreak Includes Cruise Ship Travelers
At least eight infected individuals had recently taken cruises departing from Florida. According to CDC data, the illnesses began between April 2 and May 10, 2025. These individuals had traveled aboard six different cruise ships, with three of them confirmed to be on the same vessel.
Of the 40 patients with available data, 16 have been hospitalized. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported so far. The CDC warns the actual number of sick people could be much higher due to unreported cases or delayed reporting timelines. It typically takes 3–4 weeks to confirm if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Retailers and Restaurants React with Urgent Recalls
Following the CDC announcement, several major retailers and foodservice chains have initiated immediate product recalls to prevent further infections:
- Kroger: Issued recalls on whole cucumbers, sushi trays, and vegetable packs distributed between April 29 and May 19, 2025. Products were pulled from multiple states. See Kroger recall alerts.
- Walmart: Recalled Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices sold in select Texas locations between May 13 and May 20. Read Walmart FDA recall.
- Harris Teeter: Removed fresh cucumbers and vegetable trays from shelves following a supplier notice. Customers can return recalled products for refunds. Full details here.
- Target: Recalled over 40 food products—ranging from salads to sushi—sold between May 7 and May 21, 2025. See the product list.
Restaurant chains and grocers also reacted swiftly:
- Big Y Foods: Recalled made-to-order subs, wraps, and paninis sold in Connecticut and Massachusetts on May 20–21, 2025. Food prep lines were shut down for sanitation. View full Big Y report.
What the Public Should Do
Consumers are urged to discard any cucumbers purchased during the affected dates, check with local grocers about the recall, and monitor for symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. For a complete list of recalled products, visit the CDC outbreak page.
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