A new food safety alert has been issued in the US, as Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled three store-made deli salads in 11 states and Washington D.C. The reason? A risk of Salmonella contamination linked to cucumbers that have caused people to fall ill. This recall is part of a wider issue that has seen many food products pulled off the shelves in 2025 due to possible contamination or undeclared allergens.
Why This Recall Is Important
Food recalls are happening more often these days. In 2025 alone, several food items have been taken off shelves to protect public health. Common reasons include the risk of foodborne illnesses, spoiled or damaged products, and missing allergen warnings.
Millions of Americans live with food allergies or sensitivities. According to the U.S. FDA, the nine most common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Even a small amount of these can cause serious health problems for some people.
One of the biggest concerns in this recall is Salmonella, a bacteria that can make people seriously sick. It can be especially dangerous for small children, older adults, or those with weak immune systems. Typical symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
What Products Are Affected
The following deli items have been recalled:
1. SALAD GREEK AUTHENTIC FS (UPC: 2930700000-00901)
Sold from May 23-24, 2025, at ACME, Safeway, Kings Food Markets, and Balducci’s in:
Connecticut, Delaware, Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia
2. READYMEALS SALAD GREEK SS (UPC: 29248300000)
Sold from May 20-24, 2025, at Shaw’s and Star Market stores in:
Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
3. SALAD GREEK FS (UPC: 29232900000)
Sold from May 20-24, 2025, also at Shaw’s and Star Market in the same New England states above.
These salads were made and supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc. They contained cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. in Boynton Beach, Florida. These cucumbers have been identified as the cause of the Salmonella outbreak.
How the Outbreak Started
The FDA has confirmed that at least 26 people have fallen sick and 9 have been hospitalized. Investigators tested samples from the cucumber farm and found a match to the strain of Salmonella found in sick patients. These results came through a process called Whole Genome Sequencing, which helps track the exact source of bacteria.
This is not the first time Bedner Growers has been linked to such outbreaks. In 2024, the farm was also connected to other Salmonella strains — Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup.
What You Should Do
If you have bought any of the recalled deli salads, do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. If you or someone in your home starts feeling sick after eating one of these items, contact a doctor immediately.
For questions, you can reach the Albertsons Companies Customer Service at 1-877-723-3929, Monday to Friday, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.
Final Thoughts
Food safety should never be taken lightly. Even one small contaminated ingredient can cause big health problems. This recall is a reminder to always check for food safety alerts and to follow any instructions from health officials.
The FDA is continuing its investigation to ensure all contaminated products are removed from shelves. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and cautious when buying perishable items like deli salads and fresh vegetables.
