In the latest update to the FDA's CORE Outbreak Investigation Table, that agency stated that a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak that has ended is linked to cantaloupe. This is not the first time that this fruit has caused illnesses. What is the history of food poisoning outbreaks linked to cantaloupe? While the outbreak is over, the FDA says that more information is forthcoming. We do not know the case count by state, but there are at least 87 people who are sick. We also do not know the patient age ranges, or illness onset dates. History of Food Poisoning Outbreaks Linked to Cantaloupe There have been six other multistate food poisoning outbreaks since 2011 that were linked to cantaloupe. Many of these outbreaks were deadly. Jensen Farms Listeria Outbreak In 2011, a deadly … [Read more...]
Meijer Whole Cantaloupe and Cut Trays Recalled For Salmonella
Meijer whole cantaloupe and select cut cantaloupe fruit trays and bowls are being recalled for possible Salmonella contamination. Eagle Produce LLC of Aguila, Arizona is the supplier. The recall is the result of a sampling investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Meijer whole cantaloupe and fruit trays and bowls were sold between September 26 and October 5, 2020. They were offered for sale at all Meijer stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall. The Meijer whole cantaloupe that is being recalled has a sticker label stating "Kandy Brand from Eagle Produce, LLC." If there is no sticker, you should consider the cantaloupe part of the … [Read more...]
History of Outbreaks Linked to Precut Melon is Long
The Salmonella Tailor Cut precut melon outbreak is still going on, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 96 people in 11 states are sick, as of the last update almost a month ago. Twenty-seven people have been hospitalized because they are so sick, and some recalls have been issued. How many multistate food poisoning outbreaks have been linked to precut melon? After all, not many people associate fresh fruit with food poisoning. Unfortunately, the list is long. Fruit can be contaminated with pathogens in many ways, including during the growing season, during harvest, and during processing. These are the most recent food poisoning outbreaks linked to precut melon: Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to Tailor Cut Melon. This outbreak has … [Read more...]
Minnesota Resident Sickened in Possible Tailor Cut Produce Salmonella Outbreak
A Minnesota resident sickened in a possible Tailor Cut Produce Salmonella Javiana outbreak joins at least 10 other ill people who live in Pennsylvania, according to an outbreak update from the FDA. The person from Minnesota apparently got sick in New York, one of the states that received the recalled Tailor Cut Produce along with facilities in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicates that the fruit mix from Tailor Cut Product of North Brunswick, New Jersey is a potential source of this outbreak. The FDA has started an inspection at the Tailor Cut Produce facility and is collecting records to start a traceback investigation. The Tailor Cut fruit mix, called Fruit Luau, was distributed to nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and other … [Read more...]
History of Melon Outbreaks Is Long and Deadly
The Salmonella Carrau outbreak just announced by the CDC that is linked to precut melons produced by Caito Foods has sickened at least 93 people. This is not the first time that melons have caused food poisoning outbreaks in the United States. In fact, the history of melon outbreaks is long. Since 1985, there have been 1,520 illnesses, 297 hospitalizations, and 36 deaths linked to contaminated melon. Most of these outbreaks were linked to cantaloupes. One of the big problems with contamination on ready-to-eat foods is that there is no "kill step" before the food is eaten. That means the consumer does not heat the product, which would destroy pathogens. There is zero tolerance for Listeria monocytogenes contamination on ready-to-eat foods, but no such law exists for … [Read more...]