The FDA has updated the Caito Foods Salmonella Carrau melon outbreak. The latest numbers are 137 people sick in 10 states. Thirty-eight people, or 28%, have been hospitalized because they are so ill, which is a high number for a typical Salmonella outbreak. Usually only 20% of patients are hospitalized when they are sickened with this pathogen.
Caito Foods recalled many different types of cut melon products, including Melon Mix, Honeydew Chunks, Cantaloupe Spears, Fruit Burst, Fruit Snack Tray, Watermelon Spear, and Seasonal Fruit Salad among others, on April 12, 2019. Some of these products were sold at Kroger, Spartan Nash, Target, Walmart, and Amazon/Whole Foods locations.
It is not likely that any of these products are still in consumer’s homes, because the shelf life of these cut melons has passed. Consumers don’t need to avoid any type of melon that is currently on the market. The FDA did publish a Retail Distribution List for these products.
The FDA is continuing to inspect the Caito Foods processing facility that cut and packed melons that are linked to this outbreak. A single source or potential point of contamination was not identified for this outbreak. According to the FDA post, the CD has concluded that the outbreak is over, but the CDC page has not been updated since April 24, 2019.
The states with sick people are Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. We don’t yet know the case count by state.
If you purchased any of the Caito Foods products and have discarded them, you should now clean your fridge with a mild bleach solution. Wash the walls and shelves of your fridge, cutting boards and countertops, and any utensils you may have used with the melons. Wash your hands well with soap and water after cleaning.
The symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include fever and chills, abdominal and stomach cramps and pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that can be bloody. If you or anyone you know has been sick with these symptoms, see your doctor. You may be part of this Caito Foods Salmonella Carrau Melon outbreak.
