Earlier this month U.S. health officials warned people not to eat certain brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupe due to the risk of salmonella poisoning. At the time, the Associated Press reported 43 people in 15 states had been affected, including 17 who were hospitalized. Those figures have now increased to 100 people across 32 states. Among those affected, two have died and 45 have been hospitalized.
The states affected by the salmonella outbreak are widespread, per a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The states with the highest number of cases include Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio, all with between 7 and 13 sick people.
What to know about the cantaloupe recall
Recalls were initially issued on Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vineyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe, and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Now, Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, Freshness Guaranteed brand cantaloupe (sold at Walmart), and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes have been added to the recall.
Whole cantaloupes that have a sticker that says “Malichita” or “Rudy,” with the number “4050” and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique,” are included in the recall. For Vineyard brand, the recall applies to pre-cut cantaloupes sold in Oklahoma stores between October 30 and November 10.
If you bought any ALDI whole cantaloupe or pre-cut fruit products including cantaloupe with a “best by” date between October 27-31 in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, or Wisconsin, you should throw them out. Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes packed in clear plastic containers (round or square) with “best by” dates between November 7-12 should also be disposed of.
The CDC recommends washing all items or surfaces that might have touched the recalled fruit. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach cramps, you should contact a healthcare professional, as these are severe symptoms of salmonella poisoning. These symptoms usually appear within six hours to six days of consuming the contaminated fruit.