Cantaloupes Sold In MD Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns

MARYLAND — Certain types of fruit sold in Maryland and several other states are being recalled due to salmonella concerns. The FDA has issued a recall of cantaloupes grown by Sofia Produce in Arizona. The melons were sold under the name Trufresh.

The recall includes all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the Malichita label, sold between Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. The recall advises consumers to throw away the products.

There have been no reported illnesses to date, according to the latest information from the FDA.

In addition to Maryland, the cantaloupes were distributed directly to the following states: Arizona, California, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and Canada. The cantaloupes would have reached consumers through retail produce markets, the recall said.

The cantaloupes also have an individual PLU sticker placed upon each cantaloupe, which has the word “Malichita” written in script in black letters. The bottom of the PLU sticker is black and has the number “4050” prominently displayed with the words “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, officials said. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

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.