As the FDA added another state to the list of those that received pre-cut melon implicated in a salmonellosis outbreak, the chair of the Congressional Food Safety Caucus implored federal agencies to find “what deficiencies led to this outbreak.”

First reported by federal officials on June 8, the outbreak has sickened 60 people across five states. No deaths have been confirmed. (Scroll down for the most recent list of pre-cut melon products recalled in relation to this outbreak. The company did not submit photos of recalled products to the FDA for posting with the recall notice.) 

The strain of Salmonella Adelaide infecting people is proving more serious than other Salmonella serotypes associated in recent outbreaks. Of the 47 people for whom the information is available, 31 have been admitted to hospitals. That’s a 66 percent hospitalization rate.

“Most of the ill people reported eating pre-cut cantaloupe, watermelon, or a fruit salad mix with melon purchased from grocery stores,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Information collected from stores where ill people shopped indicates that Caito Foods LLC supplied pre-cut melon to these stores.”

With the addition of Iowa on June 12, the implicated freshcut melon and products made with it are known to have been distributed to nine states. At least 10 retailers received the suspect melon products, which include cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and mixed fruit products, according to a recall notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

Caito Foods LLC produced the recalled fresh fruit products in its Indianapolis plant. The company sent the pre-cut fruit to nine states — Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. Other distributors are also implicated.

“Retailers should not sell or serve recalled pre-cut melon products distributed by Caito Foods Distribution, Gordon Food Service, and SpartanNash Distribution,” according to the FDA’s update June 12.

Dozens and dozens of specific products are included in the recall. All of the recalled fruit is packaged in clear plastic containers. Various products in various sized packages was sold by the following retailers:

  • Costco;
  • Jay C; 
  • Kroger; 
  • Payless; 
  • Owen’s; 
  • Sprouts; 
  • Trader Joe’s; 
  • Walgreens; 
  • Walmart; and 
  • Whole Foods/Amazon.   

The relatively short time between the outbreak announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday and the Caito Foods recall on Saturday earned praise from the chair of the Congressional Food Safety Caucus, who said there is still more work to be done.

“While I welcome news that CDC and FDA have identified the manufacturer and initiated a recall, many important questions remain unanswered,” said U.S. Rep Rosa DeLauro, D-CT, in a statement June 12. “Both Agencies, along with their state counterparts, must continue a full and thorough investigation that determines what deficiencies led to this outbreak. That is the only way similar outbreaks can be prevented in the future.”

Advice to consumers
State and federal officials are warning the public not to eat the recalled products. It is particularly important for young children, adults older than 65, and pregnant women to avoid exposure because they are at higher risk of being infected. 

“Check your fridge and freezer for them and throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund,” the CDC warning says. “If you don’t remember where you bought pre-cut melon, don’t eat it and throw it away.”

Anyone who has eaten pre-cut melon recently and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure. Specific tests are necessary to diagnose Salmonella infection, which can be misdiagnosed as other illnesses.

Symptom onset dates for outbreak victims range from April 30 through May 28. The sick people range from less than 1 year old to 97 years old. The median age is 67. Illnesses that began after May 20, 2018, might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of two to four weeks, according to the CDC outbreak update.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop signs and symptoms 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In some people, diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. 

Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body. In some cases, Salmonella infection can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

The illness usually lasts about a week or less in healthy adults, but other groups are at a higher risk of developing serious infections and complications. High-risk people include children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, transplant recipients and HIV patients.


Recalled pre-cut melon products from Caito Foods LLC from FDA website


Customer Product
Description
Pack
Weight 
UPC Packaging, Label Description & Brand Best/Use By Dates
Caito Foods Distribution CANTALOUPE SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz.

81851301294

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution HONEYDEW SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz.

81851301300

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution MELON MIX 6/10Z 10 oz.

81851301331

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/10Z 10 oz.

81851301348

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution HONEYDEW CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz.

81851301362

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz.

81851301379

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON CHUNKS 6/9.5Z 9.5 oz.

81851301386

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/5Z 5 oz.

81851301393

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT BURST 4/20Z 20 oz.

81851301409

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 3/48Z 48 oz.

81851301416

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution MELON MIX 6/16Z 16 oz.

81851301430

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/16Z 16 oz.

81851301447

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT SNACK TRAY 3/32Z 32 oz.

81851301454

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT PARTY PLATTER 3/64Z 64 oz.

81851301461

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution MELON MIX SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz.

81851301478

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT BOWL 6/64Z 64 oz.

81851301485

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON SPEAR 6/16Z 16 oz.

81851301591

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON SPEAR 4/28Z 28 oz.

81851301607

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz.

81851301614

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution HONEYDEW CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz.

81851301621

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 1/5LB 80 oz.

81851302079

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON CHUNKS 1/5LB 80 oz.

81851302147

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT BURST 6/10Z 10 oz.

81851302215

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON TRAY 1/5LB 80 oz.

81851302239

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON CHUNK 4/18Z 18 oz. 826766260317

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Costco

FRUIT BOWL 8/48Z 48 oz.

826766241125

Garden Highway Label 4/27/18 -06/16/18

Gordon Food Service

WATERMELON CHUNKS 4/5Z 5 oz.

826766009800

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Gordon Food Service

CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 4/5Z 5 oz.

826766009817

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Gordon Food Service

MELON MIX 4/5Z 5 oz.

826766009886

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Gordon Food Service

FRUIT MIX 6/4.5Z  4.5 oz. 826766257676

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Gordon Food Service

WATERMELON CHUNK 4/10Z 10 oz.

826766260041

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON QUARTER 6/36Z 36 oz.

826766139903

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

CANTALOUPE HALF 6/24Z 24 oz.

826766139927

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON SLICE 1/55Z 55 oz.

826766139941

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON CHUNK 1/5LB 80 oz.

826766896011

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

HONEYDEW CHUNKS 1/10Z 10 oz.

49022558632

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

MELON SPEAR TRIO 1/16Z 16 oz.

826766139590

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

MIXED SPEARS 1/16Z 16 oz.

826766139606

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON SPEAR 1/16Z 16 oz.

826766139620

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

MELON MIX 1/10Z 10 oz.

826766139804

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON CHUNK 1/10Z 10 oz.

826766139859

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

CANTALOUPE CHUNK 1/10Z 10 oz.

826766140008

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

CANTALOUPE CHUNK 1/24Z 24 oz.

826766140060

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

MELON MIX 1/24Z 24 oz.

826766140077

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON CHUNK 1/24Z 24 oz.

826766140084

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON CHUNK 1/48Z 48 oz.

826766140145

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

FRUIT SNACK TRAY 1/40Z 40 oz.

826766140152

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

FRUIT MEDLEY 1/10Z 10 oz.

826766140176

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

FRUIT MEDLEY 1/24Z 24 oz.

826766140244

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

FRUIT MEDLEY 1/48Z 48 oz.

826766140305

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

FRUIT TRAY SM W/DIP 1/26.75Z 26.75 oz.

826766145386

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

FRUIT TRAY LRG W/DIP 1/63Z 63 oz.

826766145393

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

WATERMELON SPEAR 1/4LB 64 oz.

826766181704

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

FRU TRAY LG W/WATMLN 1/64.75Z 64.75 oz.

826766185498

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

SALAD FIESTA FRUIT 1/18Z 18 oz.

826766185641

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Kroger

CANTALOUPE CHUNK 1/5LB 80 oz.

826766896578

Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT MIX 6/5Z 5 oz.

884853630610

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz.

884853631266

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

WATERMELON SPEAR 4/28Z 28 oz.

884853630672

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

CANTALOUPE SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz.

884853630856

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT BURST 6/10Z 10 oz.

884853630887

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

MELON MIX 6/10Z 10 oz.

884853630894

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT MIX 6/10Z 10 oz.

884853630900

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

HONEYDEW CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz.

884853630924

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz.

884853630931

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

WATERMELON CHUNKS 6/9.5Z 9.5 oz.

884853630948

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT BURST 4/20Z 20 oz.

884853630955

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT MIX 3/48Z 48 oz.

884853630962

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

MELON MIX 6/16Z 16 oz.

884853630986

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT MIX 6/16Z 16 oz.

884853630993

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT TRAY 3/32Z 32 oz.

884853631006

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

FRUIT PARTY PLATTER 3/64Z 64 oz.

884853631013

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

WATERMELON SPEAR 6/16Z 16 oz.

884853631068

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

SpartanNash Distribution

HONEYDEW CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz.

884853631273

Open Acres

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Sprouts

WATERMELON CHUNK 6/18Z 18 oz.

646670522406

Sprouts Farmers Market

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Sprouts

MELON MIX CHUNK 6/20Z 20 oz.

646670522437

Sprouts Farmers Market

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Sprouts

WATERMELON CHUNK 6/9.5Z 9.5 oz.

646670522444

Sprouts Farmers Market

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Sprouts

FRUIT BURST 6/10Z 10 oz.

646670522482

Sprouts Farmers Market

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Sprouts

FRUIT PARTY PLATTER 3/64Z 64 oz.

646670522499

Sprouts Farmers Market

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Sprouts

WATERMELON SPEAR 6/16Z 16 oz.

826766893850

Sprouts Farmers Market

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Trader Joes

CANTALOUPE SLICE Trader Joe’s 12/16Z 16 oz.

00952668

Trader Joe’s

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

MELON MIX 1/10Z 10 oz.

49022519114

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

WATERMELON CHUNK 1/5Z 5 oz.

49022519138

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

CANTALOUPE SNACK CUP WAG 1/5Z 5 oz.

49022519169

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

SEASONAL FRUIT SALAD 1/10Z 10 oz.

49022519183

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

TROPICAL MEDLEY 1/10Z 10 oz.

49022536999

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

MANGO PINE LOPE SPEAR WAG 1/5Z

5 oz.

49022537019

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

FRUIT BURST 1/10Z 10 oz.

49022558625

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

WATERMELON SPEAR 1/16Z 16 oz.

49022588219

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

CANTALOUPE SPEAR WAG 1/16Z 16 oz.

49022588240

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

FRUIT SALAD SEASONAL WAG 1/32Z

32 oz.

49022637764

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

FRUIT TRAY 1/22Z 22 oz.

49022683129

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

WATERMELON CHUNK 1/9.5Z 9.5 oz.

49022804586

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

FRUIT SPEAR ASSORTED 1 /16Z 16 oz.

49022813823

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

CANTALOUPE CHUNK 1/10Z 10 oz.

49022822436

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

FRUIT MIX 1/10Z 10 oz.

49022822443

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walgreens

WATERMELON CHUNK 1/18Z 18 oz.

49022923331

Delish

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

CANTALOUPE SPEAR 4/10Z 10 oz.

681131180146

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

CANTALOUPE SPEAR 4/16Z 16 oz.

681131180153

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

FRUIT TRAY 2/48Z 48 oz.

681131180207

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

FRUIT BOWL 2/40Z 40 oz.

681131180238

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

SEASONAL BLEND 4/10Z 10 oz.

681131180481

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

SEASONAL BLEND 4/16Z 16 oz.

681131180498

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

SEASONAL BLEND 2/32Z 32 oz.

681131180504

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

WATERMELON CHUNK 2/42Z 40 oz.

681131180658

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

WATERMELON SPEAR 4/16Z 16 oz.

681131180665

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

WATERMELON SPEAR 4/10Z 10 oz.

681131180672

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

WATERMELON SPEAR 2/32Z 32 oz.

681131180689

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

SEASONAL TRIO 2/32Z 32 oz.

681131180696

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

WATERMELON QUARTERS 4/44Z 47 oz.

681131221719

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

MELON BERRY MIX 4/10Z 13 oz.

826766254248

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Walmart

SALAD SEASONAL FRUIT 4/10Z 13 oz.

826766254262

Freshness Guaranteed

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Whole Foods/Amazon

MELON COMBO

20 oz.

82676681120

Whole Foods Market Label

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Whole Foods/Amazon

FRUIT TRAY SMALL

36 oz.

826766811274

Whole Foods Market Label

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Whole Foods/Amazon

FRUIT SALAD SEASONAL

20 oz.

826766810987

Whole Foods Market Label

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Whole Foods/Amazon

CANTALOUPE CHUNKS

10 oz.

826766811199

Whole Foods Market Label

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Whole Foods/Amazon

WATERMELON CHUNKS

9.5 oz.

826766810956

Whole Foods Market Label

4/27/18 -06/16/18

Whole Foods/Amazon

Watermelon Spears,
16 oz.

826766810970

Whole Foods Market Label

4/27/18 -06/16/18


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