The CDC is continuing the sound the alarm about a salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes that has sickened hundreds of people and killed four.
They are especially concerned because the illnesses are severe and people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers are most at risk for serious illness. People should not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if they don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used.
Illnesses have been reported in 42 states. The CDC said that as of Dec. 15, 2023, at least 302 people have fallen ill, 129 have been hospitalized, and four people have died.
Which cantaloupes have been recalled?
The recalled cantaloupes include Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes. The products might have a sticker that says “Malichita” or “Rudy,” with the number “4050″, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”
Pre-cut fruit products made with the recalled whole cantaloupes have also been recalled. That includes products sold at Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and other locations. The complete list of recalls can be found at FDA.gov.
| Date | Brand Name | Product Description | Company Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/05/2023 | No Brand | Fresh-cut fruit cup, clamshell and tray products | TGD Cuts, LLC |
| 11/29/2023 | Sprouts, Trader Joe’s | Fruit cups and trays containing cantaloupe | GHGA, LLC |
| 11/28/2023 | Kwik Trip | Fruit cups and trays containing cantaloupe | Kwik Trip |
| 11/28/2023 | Created Fresh!, Jack & Olive | Fruit cups containing cantaloupe | Bix Produce |
| 11/22/2023 | Rac Trac, Freshness Guaranteed | Fresh cut fruit products | CF Dallas, LLC |
| 11/14/2023 | Vinyard | Cantaloupe Chunks and Cubes and Fruit Mixes and Medleys Containing Cantaloupe | Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company |
What should you do?
The CDC is asking people to not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if they don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used. That includes cantaloupe chunks and fruit mixes with cantaloupes at restaurants and grocery stores.
Do not eat any whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products. If you have any, throw them away. If the whole cantaloupe does not have a sticker, check with the store to make sure it’s not a recalled brand.
If recalled cantaloupe came in contact with any items or surfaces make sure to wash those items or surfaces with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis.
Most people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.
Symptoms include 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.
Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections. Because of that, long-term care facilities, childcare centers, and hospitals, should not use any recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupes.