U.S. health officials said at least 43 people have been sickened in 15 states by salmonella linked to certain whole and cut melons and pre-cut fruit products.
ByJONEL ALECCIA AP Health Writer
November 17, 2023, 6:14 p.m.
FILE – Melons are displayed for sale in Virginia on Saturday, July 28, 2017. On Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns consumers not to eat certain whole and cut melons, or pre-cut fruits. products related to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning. At least 43 people in 15 states were infected in the outbreak announced Friday, including 17 people who were hospitalized. Several brands of whole and pre-cut melons and pre-cut fruit have been recalled. They include whole Malichita brand melon, Vinyard brand pre-cut melon and ALDI whole melon and pre-cut fruit products. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
The Associated Press
U.S. health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain whole and cut melons and pre-cut fruit products linked to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning.
At least 43 people in 15 states were infected in the outbreak announced Friday, including 17 people who were hospitalized. Several brands of whole and pre-cut melons and pre-cut fruit have been recalled. They include whole Malichita brand melon, Vinyard brand pre-cut melon and ALDI whole melon and pre-cut fruit products.
Consumers who have the products in their homes should throw them in the trash.
The products were sold between October 16 and November 10 and were removed from the market earlier this month. Investigators are working to identify any additional melon products that may be contaminated. Canadian authorities are investigating an outbreak related to the same strain of salmonella, which they detected in a sample of Malichita brand melon.
The number of people sick during the outbreak is likely much higher than reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known diseases. It usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps between six hours and six days after consuming food contaminated with bacteria. Illnesses usually last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people over 65 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems, may develop serious illnesses requiring medical attention or hospitalization.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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