Widespread Recall Hits Albertsons as Salmonella Outbreak Spreads
Albertsons Companies has issued a voluntary recall of three store-made Greek salad products across 11 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., following concerns over Salmonella contamination. The alert comes as federal investigators connect the outbreak to cucumbers supplied by Bedner Growers, Inc., which have already been linked to nearly 30 illnesses and 9 hospitalizations.
The recall, announced May 26, 2025, stems from an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and affects salads sold in major grocery store chains, including ACME, Safeway, Shaw’s, Kings Food Markets, Star Market, and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.
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The Root Cause: Contaminated Cucumbers From Florida Supplier
The issue originated with Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., which identified that the contaminated Greek salads included cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida.
Between April 29 and May 14, 2025, the cucumbers were distributed and sold at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Markets in Florida. During a follow-up FDA inspection, environmental samples tested positive for Salmonella, and genetic sequencing confirmed a match with clinical samples from affected patients.
This is not the first outbreak involving Bedner Growers. In 2024, the same supplier was linked to two separate Salmonella incidents (involving Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup), raising growing concerns over its food safety practices.
Affected Products and Where They Were Sold
The recall targets three Greek salad products, each associated with specific store brands and states. Shoppers are urged to check their refrigerators immediately for the following items:
1. SALAD GREEK AUTHENTIC FS
- UPC: 2930700000-00901
- Sold: May 23–24, 2025
- Retailers: ACME, Safeway, Kings Food Markets, Balducci’s
- Locations: Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia
2. READYMEALS SALAD GREEK SS
- UPC: 29248300000
- Sold: May 20–24, 2025
- Retailers: Shaw’s, Star Market
- Locations: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
3. SALAD GREEK FS
- UPC: 29232900000
- Sold: May 20–24, 2025
- Retailers: Shaw’s, Star Market
- Locations: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Why This Matters: Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella
Salmonella is a serious bacterial infection that can cause significant illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
In severe cases, infection may become life-threatening or result in hospitalization. Twenty-six cases have been reported so far in connection to this outbreak.
FDA and Albertsons Respond to Outbreak
In its official alert, the FDA stated:
“Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled three store-made deli items, supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, due to possible Salmonella contamination and in association with an active illness outbreak… FDA investigators collected an environmental sample from Bedner Growers, Inc. that matched clinical samples through genome sequencing.”
Albertsons is cooperating fully with the recall effort and advises customers to dispose of the affected products or return them for a full refund.
What Shoppers Should Do Next
Consumers who purchased any of the recalled items should:
- Not consume the products
- Return them to the store for a refund
- Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms of Salmonella develop
- Call Albertsons’ Customer Service Center at 1-877-723-3929 (Monday–Friday, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. PST) with any questions
Final Thoughts: Another Warning in a Year of Recalls
This is yet another food safety concern in what’s been a turbulent year for recalls involving allergens, contamination, and illness outbreaks. As the FDA continues investigating and monitoring the situation, consumers are reminded to stay vigilant and check product recalls regularly to protect themselves and their families from potential health risks.
Stay informed, stay safe, and take action quickly if you believe you’ve purchased one of the affected products.