Health officials issue fresh warnings as 18 new illnesses are reported in an ongoing salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration have expanded their cautionary measures, urging consumers to avoid specific cantaloupe brands and pre-cut varieties sold at major grocery stores such as Kroger, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
The recall, initiated earlier this month, has now been associated with at least two deaths, 117 illnesses, and 61 hospitalizations across 34 states. Eighteen new illnesses have been reported since November 24. The CDC advises against purchasing pre-cut cantaloupe from additional retailers, including Aldi, Kwik Trip, Freshness Guaranteed, RaceTrac, Vinyard, and Bix Produce.
Consumers are also advised to steer clear of whole cantaloupes from the brands Malichita or Rudy. If the fruit’s origin is unknown, both pre-cut and whole cantaloupes should be avoided. The CDC emphasizes the importance of washing anything that has come into contact with the recalled fruit.
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Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically manifesting six hours to six days after bacterial ingestion.