Albertsons Companies recalls deli items after Salmonella outbreak from contaminated Florida cucumbers hospitalizes nine people across 11 states and Washington D.C.
Key Takeaways
- Albertsons Companies has recalled three Greek salad products due to potential Salmonella contamination from cucumbers sourced from Bender Growers in Florida.
- The contamination has resulted in 26 reported illnesses and 9 hospitalizations across multiple states.
- This marks the second Salmonella outbreak linked to Bender Growers’ cucumbers, following previous incidents in 2024.
- The recall affects products sold at ACME, Balducci’s Food Lovers Market, Kings Food Markets, Safeway, Shaw’s, and Star Market in 11 states and Washington D.C.
- Multiple retailers including Harris Teeter, Big Y, and others have also issued recalls for products containing the contaminated cucumbers.
Widespread Cucumber Contamination Prompts Multiple Recalls
The food safety crisis continues to expand as Albertsons Companies’ recall of three store-made deli items represents just part of a larger contamination issue affecting multiple retailers across the country. Fresh Creative Foods discovered Salmonella contamination in cucumber ingredients sourced from Bedner Growers, Inc. in Florida, triggering a cascade of recalls. The outbreak has already sickened 26 people and put nine in the hospital, with products distributed across 11 states and Washington D.C. This contamination represents a serious public health concern, particularly as it’s the second such incident linked to this grower.
“Albertsons is recalling salads and salsas for possible Salmonella contamination because they were made with Bedner cucumbers,” stated Albertsons.
The contamination has been traced to cucumbers sold at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets in Florida between April 29 and May 14, 2025. The FDA is actively monitoring the situation as the scale of potentially contaminated products continues to grow. Albertsons’ recall specifically targets three Greek salad products with specific UPC codes and sale dates, but the impact extends far beyond just one retailer. Harris Teeter, Marketside, Ukrop’s, Big Y, and several other companies have all issued their own recalls for products containing the suspect cucumbers.
Health Risks and Growing List of Affected Products
Salmonella infections pose a serious health risk, particularly to vulnerable populations including the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The expanding recall now encompasses an alarming variety of products. Harris Teeter has recalled East Coast Fresh Salsa and numerous Isabelle’s Kitchen Salad Bar items including Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Crunchy Wheatberry Salad, and Quinoa Tabbouli Salad. Even store-made sushi containing cucumber has been pulled from shelves.
“Harris Teeter is recalling East Coast Fresh Salsa for possible Salmonella contamination because they were made with recalled Bedner cucumbers,” said Harris Teeter.
The contamination has also affected Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices in Texas, produced between May 13 and May 20, 2025. Ukrop’s marinated cucumber salads sold in Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky have been recalled as well. Big Y Subs Wraps Paninis sold in Massachusetts and Connecticut are on the recall list, along with Snowfruit and Snowfox cucumber trays, snacks, and sushi distributed by JFE Franchising, Inc. Even Al Kanater Tahini in Canada has been affected, though no illnesses have been reported there yet.
Consumer Action and Industry Response
Albertsons Companies has established a Customer Service Center to handle inquiries regarding the recall, demonstrating some level of corporate responsibility in the face of this contamination crisis. Consumers are strongly advised not to consume any of the recalled products and should either properly dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection after consuming these products should seek immediate medical attention and report their illness to local health authorities to help track the full scope of the outbreak.
“Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices are being recalled in Texas for possible Salmonella contamination,” according to Marketside.
This latest food safety incident highlights ongoing concerns about agricultural supply chain monitoring and the effectiveness of current food safety protocols. The fact that this represents the second Salmonella outbreak linked to Bedner Growers’ cucumbers in two years raises serious questions about regulatory oversight and enforcement. As the recall continues to expand, taxpayers are once again bearing the costs of public health responses while food producers appear to face minimal consequences for repeated safety failures. The FDA’s handling of this situation will be closely watched as the full scope of the contamination continues to unfold.
