If you are eating a cantaloupe right now that you bought in the market, take a look at this brand first before you consume it. You might get infected by salmonella.
U.S. food safety officials are sounding the alarm, advising consumers to refrain from consuming specific cantaloupe products amid a growing outbreak of salmonella infections.
The outbreak, reportedly linked to Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes, has witnessed a significant surge in reported infections over the past two weeks.
Cantaloupe Consumption Linked to Salmonella Infection
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially disclosed the outbreak, and since then, reported infections have nearly tripled.
At present, the CDC reveals that at least 117 individuals across 34 states have fallen ill due to the bacteria. Alarmingly, 61 cases have resulted in hospitalization, with two fatalities, per NPR.org.
Related Article: FDA Raises Alarm as Lead-Contaminated Fruit Pouches Sickens 52 Kids, Urgent Investigation Underway
Canada on Alert
The outbreak has not been confined to the U.S., as Canada is also grappling with the situation. According to Ars Technica, health officials in Canada have confirmed 63 cases across five provinces, with 17 hospitalizations and one fatality reported as of Nov. 24.
Avoid Specific Cantaloupe Brands
The CDC strongly advises against the consumption of cantaloupe or cantaloupe products associated with the Malichita or Rudy brands. Whole cantaloupes from these brands may bear stickers with the number "4050" or indicate "Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique."
Companies Recall Particular Pre-Cut Cantaloupe Products
Several companies have initiated recalls of pre-cut cantaloupe products and fruit medleys due to potential exposure to Malichita or Rudy cantaloupes. Notable recalls include:
Kwik Trip: Mixed fruit cups, cantaloupe cups, and fruit trays with sell-by dates from Nov. 4 through Dec. 3.
Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac: Cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blends, melon mixes, fruit bowls, and trays with a sell date of Nov. 7 through Nov. 12.
Vinyard: Cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys sold in Oklahoma from Oct. 30 to Nov. 10.
Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe's: Cantaloupe chunks, mixed melons, fruit trays, and medleys with best-by dates from Oct. 28 to Nov. 8.
ALDI: Cantaloupe chunks and pineapple spears with best-by dates from Oct. 27 to Oct. 31.
Bix Produce: Cantaloupe and mixed fruit grab n' go cups with sell-by dates from Oct. 25 to Oct. 36.
Wider Recall in Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has expanded its recall notice to include certain types of pineapples, watermelons, and honeydew melons that may have undergone processing alongside the recalled cantaloupe.
Consumers are strongly urged to stay informed about these recalls and avoid consumption of cantaloupe products associated with the identified brands during this critical period.
