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Cut Melon Linked To Salmonella

Last Updated: 16 April, 2019

A recall has been issued on fresh melon products produced by Indianapolis-based Caito Foods. The recall includes fresh-cut honeydew melon, watermelon, and cantaloupe, as well as mixed fruit products containing any of the aforementioned melon. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this recall comes after links to potential contamination of Salmonella Carrau, a rare form of salmonella. It has been reported by The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that there have been 93 reported illnesses, resulting in 23 hospitalizations, linked to this pre-cut melon recall.

The recalled melon and mixed fruit products were sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers between 4.5 oz and 80 oz in size, and were intended for sale at several major retail locations including Walmart, Kroger, Target, Trader Joes, and Whole Foods. The recall spans 16 states consisting of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Although Caito Foods voluntarily issued the recall and has also temporarily suspended both production and distribution of the products, The FDA warns that some of the affected products may still be on store shelves with product use-by dates are as late as April 19. Health officials are advising consumers to check the packaging on any fresh-cut melon to determine if the melon was distributed by Caito Foods, and, if so, to not purchase or eat it.

According to the FDA, Salmonella Carrau is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems, though, no cases of death have yet to be linked with this recall. Symptoms of salmonella typically develop within 12 to 72 hours of consuming a contaminated product and can include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. More information about the recall and Salmonella Carrau is available on the FDA website.

As consumers, we should be able to rely on the products we consume to be safe. While The FDA requires screenings and sets strict standards to help assure that the foods we consume are safe, there are often times instances like this, where their process fails to identify potential hazards quickly enough. When this happens, the public is exposed to significant health risks. The media and news programs are used to help spread the word of these types of food recalls but recalls take time to have a large impact and sometimes a contaminated product can be missed when clearing shelves, therefore many times people are affected before news of the recall spreads and the product is known to be dangerous. This makes it difficult for consumers to completely avoid all recalled products.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a tainted food item, you have the right to take legal action and Spiros Law, P.C. is here to help. The food product attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. are here for you and ready to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Do not delay seeking legal advice if you have been harmed by a contaminated food product. Contact our office today to speak about your unique situation.