Atlanta, GA – The recent salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes has finally come to an end, the Centers for Disease Control reported last Friday.
More than 400 individuals were affected by the outbreak, with cases reported in 44 states. This resulted in 158 hospitalizations and tragically, six deaths. The tainted cantaloupes were not only sold in the United States but also in Canada, where over 160 cases, including 61 hospitalizations and seven deaths, have been reported.
The affected cantaloupes, sold under the Malchita and Rudy brands, were distributed by various retailers such as Kwik Trip, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s between September and December of 2023. As a precaution, the Food & Drug Administration advises individuals who may have frozen cantaloupe products to check if they were part of the recall.
In light of the outbreak, health experts urge consumers to discard any cantaloupe if they are uncertain of its origin, emphasizing the importance of food safety and vigilance when it comes to potential health risks associated with produce.
Foodborne illnesses, such as the recent salmonella outbreak from cantaloupes, serve as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for heightened awareness within the food supply chain. Customers and retailers must remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to such incidents to prevent the spread of food-related illnesses.
This recent outbreak underscores the importance of thorough and prompt responses to food safety issues, with health officials and the public urged to remain proactive in mitigating the risks associated with contaminated produce.