The FDA has an ongoing recall and investigation related to a number of cantaloupe brands that were distributed nationally in the US and Canada, and they come in a variety of products including whole and pre-cut fruit.1
In the latest update provided last Friday, the FDA reported that 117 people have been sickened, 61 hospitalized, and 2 have died. Illnesses have been reported in the following states: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI.1
The federal agency has said whole genome sequencing analysis shows that clinical isolates from the ill people in Canada, are genetically related to the ill people in the United States. FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing but has identified Sofia Produce, LLC dba TruFresh of Nogales, AZ; Crown Jewels Produce of Fresno, CA; and Pacific Trellis Fruit dba Dulcinea of Fresno, CA as suppliers of the potentially contaminated “Malichita” or “Rudy” brand cantaloupes that can be whole melons.1
What You Need to Know
The FDA is currently conducting a recall and investigation of cantaloupes distributed nationally and in Canada, including whole and pre-cut fruit products.
The FDA has provided detailed information on the recall, including specific products and their distribution areas.
Salmonella symptoms typically appear 12 to 72 hours after infection, with salmonellosis lasting 4 to 7 days. Severe cases may include high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rash, and in some cases, fatalities.
In addition, the FDA offered more information on its website about the recall including the following products, which are pre-cut and involve the recalled whole melons:
- ALDI cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31 and sold in IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, and WI.
- Vinyard cantaloupe chunks and cubes, fruit mixes, melon medleys, and fruit cups containing cantaloupe. Most have a “Vinyard” label, and some have a red label with “Fresh” sold between October 30 and November 10 in Oklahoma stores.
- Freshness Guaranteed (sold at select Walmart) seasonal blend, melon trio, melon mix, fruit blend, fruit bowl, seasonal fruit tray, fruit mix, and cantaloupe chunks; and RaceTrac fruit medley sold in clear square or round plastic containers. Recalled products were sold at select retail stores in IN, MI, OH, KY, NC, TN, VA, IL, TX, and LA (see recall announcement for lot codes and “best by” dates).
- KwikTrip 6-oz mixed fruit cup, 6-oz cantaloupe cup, and 16-oz fruit tray distributed to Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Stop-N-Go, Tobacco Outlet Plus Grocery, and Tobacco Outlet Plus convenience stores in WI, MN, IA, MI, IL, and SD.
- Bix Produce 5.75-oz Created Fresh! cantaloupe Grab N’ Go fruit cups, Created Fresh! Grab N’ Go mixed fruit cups, and Jack & Olive mixed fruit cups sold in MN, ND, SD, and WI.
- GHGA pre-cut products containing cantaloupe branded as Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joes, and unbranded products sold at Kroger. Recalled products were distributed to Kroger stores in AL and GA, Sprout’s Farmers Market stores in AL, GA, NC, and SC, and Trader Joe’s stores in AL, FL, GA, SC, and TN (see recall for lot codes and “sell-by” dates).1
Salmonella Symptoms
Salmonella symptoms typically appear 12 to 72 hours after infection according to the FDA. The illness, salmonellosis, usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment. However, they caution that approximately 450 people die annually from salmonella, and at-risk groups for severe infection include: children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.2
Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.2
For consumers who purchased these products, they are advised to discard these products. And for anyone who has consumed these products and begin to feel symptoms, they are advised to contact their health care provider.2
To learn more about the recall, review the FDA site with more information.
References
1. Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cantaloupes (November 2023). FDA press release. Updated December 1, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023
2. Salmonella (Salmonellosis). FDA. Updated March 29, 2019. https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/salmonella-salmonellosis
