SalmonellaNews

Cantaloupe Contaminated by Salmonella Sickens People in Over 30 States

Recalled whole and pre-cut cantaloupe brands include Trader Joe's, Kroger, Sprouts, Aldi, Ruby, Malichita, Freshness Guaranteed, and RaceTrac.

Monroe Hammond
By
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While the recalled products are past their expiration date, some people may have frozen them, in which case they should be thrown away.

Editor’s Note

On November 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s to their list of retailers involved in a large cantaloupe recall. The affected pre-cut items included "cantaloupe chunks, mixed melons, fruit medleys, and fruit trays with best-by dates from October 28 through November 8."

Because of the severity of reported illnesses, the CDC is now advising people to "not eat any pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used. This includes cantaloupe chunks and fruit mixes with cantaloupes at restaurants and grocery stores."

Nearly 100 people have gotten sick since mid-October after eating cantaloupe contaminated with salmonella bacteria, according to an announcement on November 24 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The illnesses occurred in over 30 states, with Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Missouri reporting the most cases. Two people have died, and almost half of those sickened had to be hospitalized.

According to the CDC, “The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.”

Which Cantaloupe Brands Have Been Recalled for Salmonella Contamination?

Several brands have voluntarily recalled whole and pre-cut cantaloupe products connected to this salmonella outbreak:

  • The company Trufresh issued recalls for Malichita and Ruby brand whole cantaloupes.
  • Crown Jewels recalled whole cantaloupes under the brands Malachita and Z Farms.
  • Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company recalled Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys.
  • ALDI recalled whole and pre-cut cantaloupe as well as pineapple spears.
  • CF Dallas recalled cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blends, melon mixes, and fruit mixes under the brands Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac.

Any cantaloupe affected by these recalls should be thrown away or taken back to the point of sale, according to the CDC. The agency also recommends that any items or surfaces that came into contact with the recalled fruit be washed in hot soapy water or put in the dishwasher.

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella Illness?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that are commonly linked to foodborne infections.

Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, according to the CDC. Young children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious or even fatal illness. Symptoms can begin anywhere between six hours to six days after exposure, and can last four to seven days.

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