Eye on Cantaloupes as Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Under Investigation [Updated]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in conjunction with Canadian officials, are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella sundsvall infections. The link in reported cases appears to be cantaloupes. Recalls are underway.
Nearly 100 people in 32 states have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits. Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio have the highest number of cases. Two people have died of the infections in Minnesota, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.
According to FDA, Canada has linked Salmonella sundsvall illnesses there to imported cantaloupes sold under the label “Malichita.”
Cantaloupe recalls are from three brands:
- Whole fresh cantaloupes with a label that says “Malichita”, “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique” sold between October 16 and October 23.
- ALDI cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with Best-by dates between Oct. 27 and Oct. 31.
- 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.
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Cantaloupe affected by recall was sold at retail stores in Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, and Canada. FDA emphasizes this list might not include all states as the cantaloupes could have reached consumers through further retail distribution.
FDA says its investigation is ongoing. Find updates to this advisory at FDA.gov.
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