Malichita & Rudy Cantaloupes Update - recalled due to Salmonella

United States

SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC which does business under the name "Trufresh" ("Trufresh") has expanded its recall of all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the "Malichita" label, and also labeled with the "Rudy" label to include all cantaloupes sold between the dates of October 10, 2023 and November 3, 2023, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The cantaloupes were distributed directly to the following States in the United States: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and Canada. Trufresh has been advised that there are 97 illnesses reported to date that have been associated with this strain of Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The cantaloupes would have reached consumers through retail produce markets which may be located in states other than those listed above.

The Malichita brand cantaloupes are packaged in cardboard containers bearing the "Malichita" label (picture attached). The Malichita brand cantaloupes also have an individual PLU sticker placed upon each cantaloupe in the form of the attached picture. As shown in the picture, the PLU sticker has a top half which is white which has the word "Malichita" written in script in black letters. The bottom of the PLU sticker is black and has the number "4050" prominently displayed in white letters together with the words "Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique". This label will identify individual Malichita cantaloupes purchased by consumers.

The Rudy brand cantaloupes are packaged in cardboard containers bearing the "Rudy" label (picture attached). The Rudy brand cantaloupes also have an individual PLU sticker placed upon each cantaloupe in the form of the attached picture. As shown in the picture, the PLU sticker 4050 This label will identify individual Rudy cantaloupes purchased by consumers.

Trufresh began this recall after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) determined that Malichita cantaloupes have possible Salmonella contamination. The CFIA's original recall was for possible Salmonella contamination of cantaloupes packaged with the same Malichita label and the same PLU sold to Fruits et Légumes Gaétan Bono. Trufresh is expanding the recall to encompass all cantaloupes under the Malichita brand and also the Rudy brand as a precautionary step.

Consumers should check if they have recalled products; and do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products.

Recalled products should be returned to the location where they were purchased.

Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled product are advised to contact their retailer. If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider.

Company name: SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC dba Trufresh
Brand name: Malichita, Rudy
Product recalled: Cantaloupes
Reason of the recall: Potential Foodborne Illness, Salmonella
FDA Recall date: November 22, 2023