60 illnesses reported because of melon Salmonella outbreak

Caito Foods voluntarily recalls fresh-cut melon products after 31 people are hospitalized

Caito Foods is voluntarily recalling fresh cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and fresh-cut mixed fruit containing one of these melons, produced at the Caito Foods facility in Indianapolis, because these products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The CDC says 60 people in five Midwestern states have become ill as a result of the outbreak, and among 47 people with information available, thirty-one cases (66 percent) have been hospitalized.

The 60 illnesses occurred between April 30, 2018 to May 28, 2018.

Because it is possible that products shipped between April 17 and June 7, 2018 could still be on store shelves, this recall extends to both retailers and consumers. A full list of the recalled products is online on the FDA website.

Caito Foods has ceased producing and distributing these products as the company and FDA continue their investigation.

The products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and distributed in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio.

The potential that these products are contaminated with Salmonella was discovered through analyzing reports made by state departments of public health. Caito Foods has ceased producing and distributing these products as the company and FDA continue their investigation.

Consumers who have symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most infections usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment, however some people develop diarrhea so severe that they need to be hospitalized.

And those looking for more information can call (844) 467-7278 Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT and Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

Retailers and wholesale customers should check their inventories and shelves to confirm that none of the products are present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories. Please contact (844) 467-7278 Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT and Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT to arrange for disposal or return of the product.

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Crystal Lindell worked primarily at daily newspapers before joining BNP Media in 2010. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.