8 deaths due to contaminated cantaloupe: Product recall continues

A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cantaloupe has killed eight people, three in the United States and five in Canada, health officials said Thursday.

There are frequent cases of infections and reports of disease cases in the two countries. In the United States, at least 230 people have been infected with the disease in 38 states, and 96 of them have had to be hospitalized since mid-November, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Many people who became ill also reported eating pre-cut cantaloupe in containers and trays sold in stores. In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that “consumers should not buy or eat cantaloupe if they do not know its source.”

While the US Food and Drug Administration announced that “new recalls of whole and pre-cut fruits have been added to the growing list.” Last week, Cut Fruit Express began recalling cantaloupe pieces and fruit mixes containing cantaloupe.

TGD Cuts, LLC also recalled certain TruFresh fresh fruit and oyster cups and cantaloupe trays.

Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and symptoms begin 6 hours to 6 days after eating foods containing this bacteria.

Anyone can become infected with salmonella, but some groups are more susceptible to severe symptoms, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with a weak immune system.