On Nov. 30, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Food Safety Alert for cantaloupes linked to a Salmonella outbreak.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nationwide recall of several brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupe on Nov. 9, 2023. The recall has since been expanded to include additional brands and distributors.
As of early December 2023, there have been 117 illnesses, 61 hospitalizations, and two deaths from the Salmonella outbreak in the U.S.
According to Minnesota health officials, there are now 20 confirmed cases of Salmonella in the state due to contaminated cantaloupes, including two deaths.
According to the CDC, the outbreak is a concern due to severe illnesses among people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers.
The Salmonella outbreak has affected 32 states.
What cantaloupe brands have been linked to Salmonella?
Trufresh, Crown Jewels, and Pacific Trellis are the companies that distribute and sell the affected cantaloupes.
Trufresh and Crown Jewels initiated the recall on Nov. 22, 2023, and was followed by Pacific Trellis on Dec. 1.
The recalled cantaloupes include the following whole cantaloupe products which were imported from Mexico:
- Malichita brand
- Rudy brand
Recalled cantaloupe products were sold in the following stores as pre-cut fruit products:
- Kwik Trip (recalled on Nov. 27, 2023)
- Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac (recalled on Nov. 22, 2023)
- Vinyard (recalled on Nov. 14, 2023)
- Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s (recalled on Dec. 6, 2023)
- ALDI (recalled on Nov. 14, 2023)
- Bix Produce (recalled on Nov. 28, 2023)
Salmonella
Salmonella is typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water, which in turn can come from unclean sources. It can cause a variety of ailments, ranging from no symptoms to requiring hospitalization.
Many people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food and may be sick for four to seven days.
Salmonella can cause any of the following common symptoms:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Headache and muscle pain
- Bloody diarrhea
Salmonella can be aggressive and last 48 hours or more.
Children, people older than 65, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable, since they may develop severe illnesses from the bacteria that require medical care or hospitalization.
CDC Advisory
The CDC advises consumers to wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have been contaminated by recalled cantaloupes and to throw away any recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products.
The CDC also advises consumers to avoid purchasing or eating pre-cut cantaloupes if they are unsure if the recalled brands were used.
Consumers should consult their healthcare provider if they are experiencing any of the following severe Salmonella symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that liquids cannot stay down
- Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
Questions About a Salmonella Poisoning Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one have been sickened by Salmonella after eating cantaloupes, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new Salmonella poisoning lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386.
We would be honored to speak with you and respond promptly to every inquiry we receive.
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