Cantaloupes Sold In FL Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns

FLORIDA — Cantaloupes sold in Florida and other states are being recalled due to a risk of salmonella.

The melons in question were grown by the company Sofia Produce in Arizona and sold under the name Trufresh, according to a recall notice from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The cantaloupes were sold from Oct. 16-Oct. 23 under specific sales order numbers. The company is recalling all sizes of the fruit, which was packaged in cardboard containers with the “Malichita” label.

Each melon also has an individual PLU sticker with the word “Malichita” written in script in black letters. The bottom of the PLUS sticker is black and has the number “4050” displayed in white letters, as well as the words, “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”

The recall advises those who bought melons that match this description to throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased from.

As of Tuesday morning, there have been no reported illnesses connected to the contaminated cantaloupes, the FDA said.

In addition to Florida, the cantaloupes were also distributed to Arizona, California. Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas and Canada. The fruit would have reached consumers through retail produce markets which may be located in states other than those listed above.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the FDA said.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

The FDA advises consumers to take the following actions:

• Check to see if you have recalled products.
• Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products.
• Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.
• Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled product are advised to contact their retailer.
• If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider