Check Your Melon: Salmonella Outbreak Spreads To Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN -- Many Middle Tennesseans may have grabbed a few packages of pre-cut melon for their Father's Day cookouts. They may want to throw them in the trash.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that pre-cut melons sold at Midstate Sprouts' grocery stores are linked to the region-wide outbreak of salmonella.

The outbreak has sickened 60 people, including 31 who were hospitalized.

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It's been linked to pre-cut melon sold in clear plastic clamshell containers distributed by Caito Foods Distribution, Gordon Food Service or SpartanNash Distribution. The fruits have been recalled from Walmart, Walgreens, Sprouts, Costco and Whole Foods; in Middle Tennessee, only those sold at Sprouts are believed to be affected.

In addition to Tennessee, the recalled products were distributed in Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 72 hours and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. The illness often lasts 4 to 7 days.

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