Meijer Recalls Cantaloupe Products Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Meijer, in cooperation with Eagle Produce, LLC of Aguila, AZ., has issued a recall of whole cantaloupes and several fruit products containing cantaloupe due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated after routine food safety testing done by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development found traces of Salmonella bacteria. The contaminated fruit was sold in five states in Meijer stores between September 26, and October 5, 2020: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. The recall includes whole cantaloupe, as well as sliced cantaloupe sold in a variety of fruit cups and trays, ranging in size from 6–40 ounces. Whole cantaloupes will be labeled with Kandy Brand from Eagle Produce, LLC stickers, though cantaloupes without stickers are also considered part of the recall. The full list of recalled products with UPC codes can be found here.
No illnesses have been reported as of October 7, 2020. Customers who have purchased a recalled product should not consume it; rather dispose of it immediately or return to the store of purchase for a full refund. Consumers can contact Meijer at 800-543-3704, available 24/7 regarding any questions about the recall.
Salmonella is currently one the leading causes of food poisoning illness in the U.S., causing several outbreaks this year, such as the red onion Salmonella outbreak, as well as the peaches Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak. Most recently, 43 people were infected with Salmonella after consuming contaminated black fungus mushrooms. Salmonellacan cause a gastro-intestinal illness known as salmonellosis, which most commonly manifests itself through symptoms like fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Healthy individuals can generally fight off the illness within a week, however, it can cause more severe onset in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. If you believe you have contracted salmonellosis, contact your physician immediately for the best course of treatment.
