FDA WARNING_LETTER - Bedner Growers, Inc. - April 03, 2025

The FDA issued a Warning Letter to Bedner Growers, Inc. on November 17, 2025, following inspections conducted from April 1-3, 2025, and previously from June 5-7, 2024. These inspections were prompted by multi-state outbreaks of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup in 2024, and Salmonella Montevideo in 2025, both linked to cucumbers from the company"s farm. The FDA found the company"s cucumbers adulterated under sections 402(a)(4) and 402(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as they were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions and yielded multiple Salmonella strains. Environmental swabs from the cucumber packing line also tested positive for Salmonella, including the 2025 outbreak strain. Bedner Growers submitted written responses detailing corrective actions; however, the FDA deemed these inadequate due to a lack of supporting documentation, evidence of implementation, and details regarding sampling methods, sanitation protocols, and employee training. While the company stated its 2025 season has ended and it will not renew land leases for wholesale produce in 2026, the FDA could not fully assess the scope of these changes. The FDA requires Bedner Growers to ensure all continuing business operations comply with the Produce Safety Rule and other applicable regulations, emphasizing that future compliance will be verified during follow-up inspections.