More Cantaloupe Recalls Announced Amid Growing Number of Salmonella Poisoning Cases

CDC investigators expect more cantaloupe food poisoning illnesses to be reported, due to salmonella’s latency period, which means it can take three to four weeks for symptoms to develop.

Weeks after concerns first emerged about a risk of salmonella poisoning from cantaloupe products distributed throughout the U.S., federal health officials continue to identify cases of severe food poisoning, and additional products continue to be added to the list of recalled cantaloupe.

In a cantaloupe salmonella outbreak update posted on December 6, the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that it is now aware of at least 117 food poisoning illnesses, including 61 severe cases that that resulted in hospitalization and at least two deaths.

Individuals from 34 different states have been sickened by different cantaloupe products, and the CDC continues to actively monitor the outbreak with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has urged consumers to stop eating Malichita brand and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes or pre-cut fruit products containing recalled cantaloupes.

Cantaloupe Salmonella Food Poisoning Outbreak

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious or fatal infections. Symptoms usually occur within 12-72 hours after exposure, and can last from between four and seven days.

While healthy individuals exposed to Salmonella may only experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, those with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly face a risk of severe or fatal complications.

In severe cases, the infection can travel into the bloodstream, and result in severe health consequences, including infected aneurysms, endocarditis, or arthritis.

U.S. officials initiated a comprehensive investigation into the multi-state salmonella outbreak, after identifying additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated. As a result, TGD, LLC., and GHGA, LLC., have voluntarily recalled all fresh-cut fruit cups, clamshells, and trays, which may contain cantaloupe provided by TruFresh.

Additional Cantaloupe Recalls Announced 

On December 6, TruFresh expanded its cantaloupe recall to include additional batches of potentially contaminated cantaloupes that were distributed to Trader Joe’s and Sprouts Farmers Markets, in Florida. They were packaged in clear square or round plastic containers, the same PLU number 4050 printed on the sticker.

In addition, cantaloupe recalls were issued by TGD, LLC. and GHGA, LLC. on the same day for fresh-cut fruit cups, clamshells, trays, and fruit medley. These products were distributed by TruFresh and are being recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination. The affected items were sold at Trader Joe’s and Sprouts Farmers Market stores in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee between November 2 and November 24, 2023.

In prior weeks, recalls were also issued for Crown Jewels Produce for whole cantaloupes under the Malichita brand, CF Dallas, LLC for fresh-cut fruit products containing Malichita cantaloupes, and Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company for products like cantaloupe chunks, cubes, and mixed fruits that include the recalled cantaloupes.

As a result of the severe food poisoning risks from the recalled cantaloupe, the CDC is instructing consumers to immediately discard any of the fruits they may have purchased, and to thoroughly wash any items or surfaces that may have come in contact with the fruit. Consumers should also contact their healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms of salmonella infection.

Officials stated the number of illnesses is expected to grow over the coming weeks, as the average time for illnesses to be reported is typically three to four weeks. The CDC indicates it will continue to inform the public of any additional details or subsequent recalls impacting other products as soon as the information becomes available.