Salmonella-linked pre-cut melon now found in 9 states
Federal regulators have added Iowa to the list of states where pre-cut melon tied to an outbreak of Salmonella infections that has sickened 60 people -- more than half of whom were hospitalized.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating the multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections, first reported by the agencies on Friday, with fruit salad mixes containing pre-cut melons viewed as the likely source.
Produced at a Caito Foods facility in Indianapolis, the fruit, packaged in clear plastic containers, was distributed to retailers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, the FDA said Tuesday in an update that upped the number of states to nine.
The suspected tainted fruit was sold at retailers Costco, Jay C Food Stores, Kroger, Owen's Market, Pay Less Super Markets, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Walgreens, Walmart and Whole Foods/Amazon, according to the agency.
The strain of Salmonella Adelaide infecting people is proving to be more serious than many past outbreaks. Of the 60 people to become ill, the CDC had information on 47 cases, with 31, or 66 percent, involving hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.
Caito Foods recalled the products shipped between April 17 and June 7. All had a "best used by" date of June 16.
Salmonella infections can spread from a person's intestines to their bloodstream, and in certain cases can be deadly unless treated quickly with antibiotics. Children under five and adults older than 65 are at higher risk.
The outbreak has reportedly led to lawsuits in at least three states, including Michigan, the hardest hit with 32 cases. A food safety attorney representing a woman who became ill told the Detroit News the count of those stricken will likely rise.
"While there are 60 so far, we expect that number to rise as time goes on and more become aware," Jory Lange Jr. told the newspaper. "Past instances have shown for each reported case, there are 29 other cases that are unreported."