📰 The Gist: The Georgia Department of Public Health is cautioning residents about eating pre-cut cantaloupe due to a Salmonella outbreak that has infected at least five people in the state.
🍈 The Details: The contaminated cantaloupe has sickened 117 people across the country, with nearly half requiring hospitalization. The recalled cantaloupe is sold at Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joes, and Kroger stores as pre-cut chunks or in fruit mixes.
Whole cantaloupes with a sticker that says “Malichita” or “Rudy,” with the number 4050 and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique” are also part of the recall. Most people infected with Salmonella recover without treatment in 4-7 days, but severe cases can cause high fever and prolonged diarrhea.
📊 By The Numbers:
- At least 5 people in Georgia have been infected with Salmonella from contaminated cantaloupe.
- 117 people across the country have been sickened by the outbreak.
- Nearly half of those infected required hospitalization.
🌎 In Context: Rinsing pre-cut cantaloupe does not remove all germs if it is already contaminated with Salmonella. Rinsing whole cantaloupes can reduce the number of germs but it does not remove all germs. Germs on the surface of cantaloupes can then get onto the knife and inside the fruit when you cut the cantaloupe.
💡 Why It Matters: While most people infected with Salmonella recover without treatment, severe cases can cause hospitalization and even death. It’s important for residents to be cautious about eating pre-cut cantaloupe and to check for recalled products.
👉 What You Can Do: If you have any recalled cantaloupe, throw it away or return it to the store where you purchased it. Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the cantaloupe using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
🔜 What’s Next?: The FDA is continuing to investigate the source of the contaminated cantaloupe and may issue further recalls if necessary.
