Consumers who enjoy cantaloupe are advised to be cautious due to a series of government warnings regarding a dangerous salmonella outbreak linked to the fruit. U.S. health officials have issued broad recalls of potentially contaminated whole and pre-sliced cantaloupes in recent weeks, and have urged consumers to discard any products containing the melon. This has led major grocery retailers such as Kroger, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart to continue removing melon-containing products from their shelves.
Contaminated cantaloupes have been associated with at least 117 illnesses, including 61 hospitalizations and two deaths across 34 U.S. states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that these numbers could increase. Here’s what to know about the latest cantaloupe recalls and how to determine if you should keep or dispose of the fruit in your fridge.
What is happening?
Following a severe bacterial infection outbreak linked to cantaloupes, the CDC is cautioning consumers to avoid pre-cut cantaloupes if they are uncertain about whether the product is from a distributor with a recalled product. This advice follows previous directives by U.S. health officials to recall whole cantaloupes from various brands, including Malichita and Rudy, which prompted several nationwide grocery chains to recall their own products containing pre-cut cantaloupes. Most recently, Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s pulled select fresh-cut products made from whole cantaloupes off their shelves, according to an FDA notice. Cut Fruit Express of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, also recalled products containing cantaloupe, including Caribou Coffee Fruit Mix CHPG 6.5oz; Cut Fruit Express Brand 6.5oz, 15oz, 16oz, 32oz packages of fruit mix; and food service packages of 5lb-tray, 10lb-bag, 25lb-Pail, all of which could be contaminated with salmonella.
Which products are affected?
According to the FDA, whole fresh cantaloupes with Malichita, Rudy, “4050” and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique” labels are not safe to consume and should be discarded. In addition, products containing pre-cut cantaloupe such as fruit salads may pose a salmonella risk to consumers. Since November, major grocery stores, including Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmer Market, Aldi, and Walmart, have issued at least three waves of recalls for pre-cut cantaloupes, as reported by the FDA.
What should I do if I don’t know my cantaloupe’s brand?
The FDA advises consumers to dispose of any cantaloupe that cannot be identified by brand. If unable to determine if the cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe, is part of the recall, it is recommended not to consume or use it and to discard it. Additionally, the FDA recommends washing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the cantaloupe, using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which typically begin between eight and 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. Not everyone who contracts salmonella experiences symptoms. However, children under age five, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing severe illnesses that require medical attention or hospitalization. Those who contract salmonella should rest and consume plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration; the infection usually resolves on its own within a few days.
