US: Eight states warned against pre-cut melon due to salmonella

As of June 9, 2018, 60 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Adelaide have been reported from eight states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from April 30 to May 28. Out of 47 people with information available, 31 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Epidemiologic and preliminary traceback evidence indicates that pre-cut melon supplied by the Caito Foods, LLC of Indianapolis, Indiana is a likely source of this multi-state outbreak.

The outbreak in Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina and Missouri has been linked to pre-cut cantaloupe, watermelon, or a fruit salad mix with melon sold at Walmart, Costco, Jay C, Payless, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Walgreens and Kroger stores, according to Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to ajc.com, the agency urges consumers to throw away:

• Pre-cut melon from Walmart stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio.
• Pre-cut melon purchased at Kroger, Jay C or Payless stores in Indiana and Michigan.
• Fruit salad containing melon purchased at Walmart, Kroger, Jay C or Payless stores in the affected states.
• Any pre-cut melon or fruit salads with melon if you don’t remember where it was purchased.

Only pre-cut melon is affected by the recall. Whole melon is still safe to eat, according to the CDC.