Cantaloupe Recalled Nationwide Due to Salmonella Risk

Check your refrigerator or freezer: cantaloupe is being recalled nationwide due to a Salmonella contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Both whole cantaloupes and cut cantaloupe products are impacted by this recall. Here's the current list of affected products:

• Whole fresh cantaloupes with a label on the fruit that reads “Malichita” or “Rudy," “4050” and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique."
• Whole cantaloupes from Crown Jewels Produce in boxes labeled “Malachita/Z Farms," from TruFresh in boxes labeled “Malichita” or “Rudy" or from Pacific Trellis sold in cartons with matching recalled lot codes.
• ALDI cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe and pineapple spears in clamshell containers with "best by" dates between October 27 and October 31.
• Vinyard cantaloupe chunks and cubes, fruit mixes, melon medleys and fruit cups containing cantaloupe.
• Freshness Guaranteed seasonal blend, melon trio, melon mix, fruit blend, fruit bowl, seasonal fruit tray, fruit mix and cantaloupe chunks.

These recalled cantaloupe product were distributed across the country and have caused illness in the following states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.   

As of November 27, 99 illnesses, including 45 hospitalizations and 2 deaths, are connected to this Salmonella outbreak. Common symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Salmonellosis is a serious foodborne disease that can be life-threatening for vulnerable groups, including young children, adults over 65 and those who are immunocompromised.

Salmonella is contagious and can survive in refrigerated or frozen temperatures, so if you believe your stored cantaloupe could be a part of this recall, dispose of the fruit and wash your hands immediately afterward. Be sure to follow the Department of Agriculture's guide for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces if you think your kitchen or home is contaminated.