U.S. health officials recalled three more brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes Friday as the number of people sickened by salmonella more than doubled this week. 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.
Quick Read
- Expanded Recall: U.S. health officials have expanded the recall of cantaloupes to include three more brands, following a significant increase in salmonella cases linked to these fruits.
- Rise in Salmonella Cases: The number of people sickened by salmonella from contaminated cantaloupes has more than doubled, affecting nearly 100 people across 32 states. States with the highest number of cases include Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio.
- Fatalities and Hospitalizations: There have been two reported deaths in Minnesota due to the salmonella infections, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.
- Brands Included in the Recall: The recall now encompasses Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, Vinyard, Freshness Guaranteed, and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes, as well as ALDI whole and pre-cut fruit products.
- Safety Precautions Advised: Consumers who have purchased the recalled cantaloupes are urged to dispose of them. Additionally, it’s recommended to clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated fruits using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Symptoms of Salmonella Infection: People infected with salmonella generally experience symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing within 6 hours to 6 days after consuming the contaminated food. While illnesses usually last 4 to 7 days, severe cases may require medical attention, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Associated Press has the story:
FDA expands cantaloupe recall after salmonella infections double in a week
Newslooks- (AP)
U.S. health officials recalled three more brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes Friday as the number of people sickened by salmonella more than doubled this week.
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.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list Friday.
Health officials say anyone who bought the recalled fruits should throw them away and wash surfaces that touched them with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hour to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.
