The FDA has now linked pre-cut melon salmonella to 23 states. Cut watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe, as well as fruit salads containing these melons, have injured at least 60 people so far. The FDA expects this number to grow as not all people report their injuries to the government agency.
About Salmonella
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. The bacteria usually live in animal and human intestines and shed through feces. Consuming contaminated water or food spreads the infection to humans. Symptoms last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, however, it may take several months before bowels return to normal. However, salmonella can develop into typhoid fever. This is a deadly disease. About 300 people get typhoid fever in the United States each year. About 22 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 related deaths occur worldwide each year.
Pre-Cut Melon Salmonella Outbreak
The FDA has added Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Tennessee to the list of states that may have the pre-cut melon salmonella outbreak. This brings the total number of states to 23.
Multiple stores have recalled cut watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe, as well as fruit salads containing these melons, from these stores. These grocery locations include Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens, Sprouts Farmers Market, Costco, and Whole Foods/Amazon. The FDA posted a full list of retailers and locations of where the contaminated melon was sold. The government agency advises throwing away the melon. Additionally, the FDA told retailers not to serve or sell precut melon products distributed by Caito Foods Distribution, Gordon Food Service, or SpartanNash Distribution.
The FDA and CDC are working to figure out the source of the contaminate. So far, according to the CDC, at least 60 people are ill. Six people are sick in Illinois, 11 in Indiana, 32 in Michigan, 10 in Missouri and one in Ohio. Thirty-one have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported, yet.
If Injured by the Outbreak
Food poisoning lawsuits play an important role in keeping food systems safe. These lawsuits hold negligent corporations accountable. Plus, it shows lawmakers that food safety is imperative. When outbreaks caused by bacteria or viruses injure people, most of the time it is from a manufacturer being negligent. The company is fully aware of their potentially dangerous practices and do not correct it. Thus, customers’ lives are endangered.