Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak Map Shows States Affected

Several food manufacturers are currently recalling whole cantaloupes and melon products after a number of hospitalisations and deaths from salmonella across the U.S.

A new map from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows states where cases of salmonella relating to affected cantaloupes have been recorded. Salmonella infections and the subsequent recall have been driven by batches of whole and cut cantaloupes carrying the bacterium.

The map shows that the highest number of recorded cases are in Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, and Wisconsin, which each recorded between seven to 13 salmonella cases. In Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa, between four to five cases have been recorded in each state. All other states are recording between one and three cases of salmonella or none at all.

Salmonella can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including diarrhea, cramps, fever and nausea. In very serious cases it can be fatal, particularly to the elderly, children, and people with compromised immune systems. The FDA has confirmed two people have died so far out of a total of 99 recorded illnesses.

Which cantaloupe brands have been recalled?

On November 15, Sofia Produce LLC, operating under the name Trufresh, issued a recall for all sizes of fresh cantaloupe bearing the labels “Malichita” or “Rudy,” sold between October 31 and November 9 of this year. The affected products, sold under both brands, feature “4050” on black and white stickers, reading “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”

While only specific products are suspected of potential contamination, the company is taking a precautionary approach by recalling “all cantaloupes under the Malichita brand and also the Rudy brand,” the FDA reports.

Jewel Marketing and Agribusiness LLC also initiated a recall for melon products labeled “Malichita/Z Farms.” These products were distributed in Ohio, California, and Canada, packaged in “wood-like” cardboard cartons at retail stores.

CF Dallas is joining the recall efforts for “fresh cut” cantaloupe products following similar announcements by other food producers. Eight “fruit-in-plastic” products, including fruit salads and mixes, have been recalled. As of November 22, no illnesses related to CF Dallas products have been reported, and the recall is a precautionary measure, as clarified by the FDA.

Adding to the list on November 27, the FDA confirmed cantaloupe products from Aldi, Vineyard and Freshness Guaranteed are also being recalled:

• Aldi cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with best-by dates between October 27 and October 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 reading “Fresh”. All products being recalled have been sold between October 30 and November 10 in Oklahoma.
• Freshness Guaranteed seasonal blend, melon trio, melon mix, fruit blend, fruit bowl, seasonal fruit tray, fruit mix, and cantaloupe chunks
• RaceTrac fruit medley sold in clear square or round plastic containers at select retail stores in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana.

The FDA has said its investigation into the case remains ongoing. Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration for comment via email.