Caito Foods is voluntarily recalling pre-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and fruit medley products containing one of these melons due to the possibility of salmonella contamination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration announced on Friday, April 12.
A total of 93 cases have been reported in the outbreak, from nine states: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Twenty-three people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
“Caito Foods has temporarily suspended producing and distributing these products as the company and FDA continue their investigations,” the FDA noted in its announcement.
#OUTBREAK ALERT: @US_FDA and @CDCgov are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Carrau infections likely linked to pre-cut melons. Caito Foods is recalling affected products, and consumers are advised to not eat. Throw away them away. https://t.co/PF5zfNO9Rk pic.twitter.com/XehmQ0kFKX
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) April 13, 2019
The products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and sold under various brands depending on where it was sold.
Retailers include Amazon/Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s. A full list of the recalled products is available on the FDA website.
“Because it is possible that products could still be on store shelves, this recall extends to both retailers and consumers,” the FDA announcement read. “Consumers should not consume the product and should promptly dispose of any remaining product.”
Caito Foods, LLC Recalls Fresh Cut Melon Product Because of Possible Health Riskhttps://www.usrecallnews.com/caito-foods-llc-voluntarily-recalls-fresh-cut-melon-product-because-of-possible-health-risk/
Posted by US Recall News on Friday, April 12, 2019
The investigation is ongoing. Caito Foods did not immediately reply to calls requesting a statement.
Salmonella is to blame for 1 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States every year, according to the CDC.
#OUTBREAK ALERT: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella…
Posted by U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday, April 12, 2019
Symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after consuming the bacteria and can last four to seven days. They include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, according to the CDC.
Most people recover on their own. Patients who experience severe diarrhea may require hospitalization. If severely ill patients are not treated, the illness can be deadly.
