Microbiological Surveillance Sampling: FY26 Domestic and Imported Whole Cucumber Sampling for Salmonella
Microbiological Surveillance Sampling
The FDA has initiated a new surveillance sampling assignment for both domestic and imported raw fresh whole cucumbers for Salmonella.
A history of Salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers precipitated this assignment. Between 2012 and 2025, both domestic and imported cucumbers were linked to multiple Salmonella outbreaks. The FDA has carefully considered recent public health data, prior sampling assignment results, and historical outbreak patterns in developing this assignment, reflecting the agency's commitment to adaptive surveillance that responds to food safety challenges.
Questions and Answers
What is the projected timeline for this assignment?
The FDA is conducting a surveillance sampling assignment for raw fresh whole cucumbers from May 4 - September 30, 2026.
What are the objectives of this assignment?
The assignment aims to:
- Prevent the introduction of contaminated food into U.S. commerce
- Remove contaminated food from the U.S. food supply
- Identify trends and strategies for prevention and risk mitigation.
What is the scope of this assignment?
Both domestic and import samples of raw fresh whole cucumbers will be collected and analyzed for Salmonella.
Where will samples be collected?
Samples will be collected at retail locations, distribution centers, and ports of entry. Note that sampling will not take place on farms.
How are domestic samples collected?
Domestic samples are collected at retail locations and distribution centers throughout the United States. Samples are taken from unopened boxes/containers in backroom or stockroom areas — not from customer-facing display cases. The focus is on field-grown, raw fresh, whole cucumbers.
How are import samples collected?
Import samples are collected at ports of entry in the United States.
Why are cucumbers being sampled?
Between 2012–2025, cucumbers were linked to multiple Salmonella outbreaks, underscoring the need for continued surveillance.
How did the FDA develop this assignment?
The FDA carefully considered recent public health data, prior sampling assignment results, and historical outbreak patterns in its decision to continue cucumber sampling. The agency previously conducted a cucumber sampling assignment in FY 2016–2017, covering both domestically produced and imported cucumbers. Since then, cucumbers have been linked to several additional outbreaks, underscoring the need for continued surveillance. As a result, the FDA is continuing to sample this commodity to better understand contamination routes and inform future food safety efforts—reflecting the agency's commitment to adaptive, data-driven responses to food safety challenges.
What actions will the FDA take if a sample tests positive?
The specific actions taken will depend on the specific factors, including: the firm's voluntary corrective actions, historical information related to the firm and product, and WGS genetic information related to the isolates.
Specific additional actions may include:
- Preventing future entry of contaminated product into U.S. commerce
- Helping to ensure that contaminated product does not reach consumers
- Considering additional enforcement strategies to ensure food products do not present a risk to consumers.
If a positive sample is found in domestic samples, in addition to other actions, the FDA will notify relevant commissioned state partners.
Will the FDA share findings from this assignment?
Yes, the FDA plans to share the assignment findings on FDA.gov upon completion of the assignment.
Who is the FDA contact for more information on this assignment?
Please send questions about this assignment to HFP-PSEBsupport@fda.hhs.gov.