Food Safety Report: Malichita/ Z Farms Cantaloupes - recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination

United States

Jewel Marketing and Agribusiness LLC. (dba Crown Jewels Produce) of Fresno, CA is recalling all sizes of 1960 boxes of Malichita / Z Farms Cantaloupes sold between October 31, 2023 and November 9, 2023, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Product was distributed to Ohio, and California through retail and wholesale outlets. This is an ongoing outbreak, and a number of illness have been reported throughout the United States, and Canada.

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.

Product was in boxes with a “wood-like” cardboard cartons with the Label “Malichita / Z Farms. The Price Lookup Sticker on the individual fruit is labeled “Malichita”.

The company has ceased sales and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information. Consumers who have purchased "Malichita / Z Farms" Brand Cantaloupes are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Company name: Crown Jewel Produce Company
Brand name: Malichita/ Z Farms
Product recalled: Cantaloupes
Reason of the recall: Potential Salmonella contamination
FDA Recall date: November 22, 2023

Source: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/crown-jewels-produce-recalls-malichita-z-farms-label-whole-cantaloupes-because-possible-health-risk