BALTIMORE – The Centers for Disease Control declared an end to the cantaloupe salmonella outbreak that affected over 400 people across 44 states and Canada, resulting in 158 hospitalizations and six deaths. The tainted cantaloupe, sold under the Malchita and Rudy brand names, was distributed at various retailers in the United States and Canada between September and December 2023.
In Canada, more than 160 cases were reported, with 61 hospitalizations and seven deaths linked to the contaminated fruit. The affected cantaloupes were sold at popular retailers such as Kwik Trip, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.
The Food & Drug Administration advised consumers who purchased cantaloupe during the specified period to check if their product was part of the recall. If uncertain, experts recommend discarding the fruit rather than risking potential illness.
The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated produce. Consumers are urged to stay informed about food recalls and to dispose of any products that may pose a threat to their health.
With the cantaloupe salmonella outbreak now under control, health officials continue to monitor food safety measures to prevent future incidents and protect the public from similar outbreaks.