Melon Salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut melons appears to be over
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to investigate Caito Foods, LLC, identified as the source of a multistate salmonella outbreak; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the outbreak appears to be over. The source of the salmonella outbreak was identified as pre-cut melons produced by Caito Foods. Since the first illness was reported in early March 2019, 137 people have become sick in 10 states, with 38 people hospitalized.
The FDA continues to investigate the Caito Foods, LLC, processing plant in Indianapolis, Indiana, that cut and packed the melons linked to the outbreak. Caito Foods, LLC has suspended producing and distributing the pre-cut melon products, pending the result of the investigation. The FDA has not yet been able to identify a single source of the contamination among the distributors and suppliers of the pre-cut melons. Caito Foods had indicated that imported melons were used in the suspect pre-cut melon mixes.
Most of the people who became ill from salmonella contamination reported eating pre-cut melons purchased at grocery stores, including pre-cut cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, or a fruit salad mix or fruit tray with melon. These products were recalled by Caito Foods on April 12, 2019, after reports of illnesses started to surface.
Among the 10 states impacted by the melon salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut melons, Ohio was the hardest hit with 42 illnesses. Indiana and Kentucky had 26 illnesses each and Michigan had 22 illnesses. Other states with illnesses related to salmonella contamination included: Alabama (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (7), Minnesota (3), Missouri (8), and Wisconsin (1).
