Cantaloupes linked to Salmonella Sundsvall multistate outbreak

United States

Update November 30, 2023

CDC has added a second strain of Salmonella (Oranienburg) to this outbreak investigation after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found this strain in a sample of Malichita brand cantaloupes. 2 people in the United States are infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Oranienburg. As of November 28, 117 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 34 states (AK, AR, CA KS, MA, MD, MI, MS, PA, RI, WA, IN, NC, NV, NY, OK, OR, VA, CO, GA, NJ, SC, UT, NE, TN, IA, KY, TX, IL, AZ, OH, MO, WI and MN) , 61 have been hospitalized, and 2 deaths have been reported from Minnesota. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 14, 2023.

3 new recalls linked to this outbreak have been issued:
- On November 27, 2023, Kwik Trip recalled pre-cut cantaloupe and fruit mixes.
- On November 28, Bix Produce recalled pre-cut fruit cups.
- On November 29, GHGA recalled pre-cut cantaloupe products sold at Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s.

The CDC suggests that you steer clear of eating fruits that have been recalled and avoid consuming pre-cut cantaloupes if you're uncertain about whether they contain Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes. Furthermore, facilities like long-term care centers, childcare facilities, hospitals, and other places caring for individuals at a higher risk of severe Salmonella illness should not serve recalled fruits and should refrain from offering pre-cut cantaloupe unless they are certain it doesn't include Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes.

Source: CDC

Update November 24, 2023

Since the last update on November 17, 2023, 56 more illnesses have been reported. As of November 24, 99 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 32 states (AR, CA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, RI, UT, VA, WA, CO, IN, NC, NV GA, SC, TX, IL, NE, TN, IA, KY, AZ, OH, WI, MO, and MN) 45 have been hospitalized, and 2 deaths have been reported from Minnesota. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 10, 2023.

On November 22, 2023, more recalls for whole and pre-cut cantaloupes were issued. Trufresh expanded their recall again to include all Malichita brand and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes. Crown Jewels recalled Malitchita brand whole cantaloupes. CF Dallas recalled pre-cut fruit products containing recalled cantaloupes.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: CDC

November 17, 2023

The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall infections linked to cantaloupes. As of November 17, 43 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 15 states (AZ, CA GA, IL, KY, MD, MN, MO, NE, OH, OK, TX, VA, WA and WI). Seventeen have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 6, 2023.

The products linked to this outbreak are:
- Whole cantaloupes: Might have a sticker that says “Malichita”, “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”. Sold in many states between October 16 and October 23, 2023
- Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes. Includes cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys. Sold in Oklahoma stores between October 30 and November 10, 2023. Most have a yellow label with “Vinyard,” and some have a red label with “Fresh”.
- ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Includes whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks in clamshell packaging, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging. Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31, 2023. Sold in ALDI stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

On November 1, 2023, Malichita brand cantaloupes were recalled in Canada. Canada is also investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes. The strain causing the outbreak in Canada is the same as the US outbreak strain.
On November 8, Trufresh recalled Malichita brand whole cantaloupes that were sold to US businesses between October 16 and October 23. On November 15, Trufresh expanded their recall to include additional whole cantaloupes.
Additional products containing Malichita brand cantaloupes were also recalled. On November 14, Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company recalled pre-cut fruit products and ALDI recalled its whole cantaloupe, cantaloupe chunks, and pineapple spears.

CDC is advising people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled fruit.

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.

Source: www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/lists/active-investigations.html