Salmonella Outbreak May Have Started with Precut Melons from Indiana Plant

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Salmonella outbreaks in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio could have all been caused by precut melons purchased at Costco, Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods. Taking a step back along the supply chain, the CDC conjectures they could have all come from a Caito Food facility in Indiana. Caito has issued a recall notice for Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. The Food and Drug Administration is also investigating the outbreak and says it may add stores or other products to the recall list. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends people who have precut melons in those states throw out any products remaining in the home, and that patients who experience diarrhea, fever, and cramps after eating precut melons (regardless of source) see a healthcare provider. As such, if you see patients with these complaints ask what they’ve eaten recently. Salmonella can develop within 12 to 72 hours after eating tainted food, and typically lasts for 4 to 7 days. So far, 31 of the 60 people diagnosed with Salmonella have been hospitalized, but there have been no fatalities.