HOLT, Fla., Dec. 1, 2023—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are cautioning consumers to avoid eating pre-cut and whole cantaloupe due to the possible presence of salmonella bacteria.

According to information on the CDC website, illnesses resulting from infected cantaloupe have been severe.

To date, there have been 117 people who have gotten sick from the fruit, 61 hospitalizations and two deaths.

Thirty-four states have reported one or more cases of illness, including Mississippi and Georgia. Florida and Alabama have not reported any cases.

An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration into the illnesses was first posted Nov. 17.

Most people affected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the CDC. Symptoms usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days.

Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

The FDA investigation is ongoing and updates will be issued as they become available.

Recalled fruit

• Whole cantaloupe might have a sticker that says “Malichita” or “Rudy,” with the number “4050,” and “Product of Mexico.”
• Local stores that sell pre-cut cantaloupe products from include Walmart, RaceTrac, Trader Joe’s and Aldi; however, according to CDC information, only Trader Joe’s have issued a Florida recall.

CDC recommendations

• Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupe if you don’t know the source of the fruit.
  • This includes chunks and mixed fruits at restaurants and grocery stores.
• Do not eat any recalled products.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the cantaloupes using soapy water or a dishwasher.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees
• Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you can’t keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up