It would be imperative to follow the warnings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advise against consuming precut cantaloupe if its origin is unknown, cautioning about the expanded recall of certain cantaloupe brands associated with confirmed salmonella cases. Initially announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 17, this recall has gained momentum.
Pacific Trellis Fruit, LLC, specifically recalled 4,872 cases of Malichita brand whole cantaloupe as part of this voluntary recall, prompted by an ongoing FDA investigation linked to an outbreak potentially tied to Salmonella in Malichita cantaloupes.
The CDC’s food safety alert reports 117 illnesses, 61 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 34 states related to this cantaloupe salmonella outbreak. Whole fresh cantaloupes labeled “Malichita” or “Rudy” with the code “4050” and marked “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique” are included in the recall. The FDA website provides further details for identifying the recalled produce.
Various companies, including Crown Jewels Produce, Sofia Produce (Trufresh), and Pacific Trellis Fruit, initiated recalls and ceased sales pending investigations. While some companies associated with the recalled brands haven’t reported linked illnesses, they have diligently issued voluntary recalls and urged consumers to discard or return affected products.
As a precautionary measure, the CDC advises refraining from consuming cantaloupe with unclear origins, especially if it had been previously frozen. Quinlan, an expert in food safety, recommends refrigerating cut cantaloupe promptly to prevent bacterial growth. Although not all cantaloupes are affected, individuals, especially vulnerable ones, are advised to exercise caution until their safety regarding the outbreak is confirmed.
While improved regulations might mitigate foodborne outbreaks, Penfield, an expert in food safety, emphasizes the importance of washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and ensuring proper cooking temperatures to minimize bacterial risks. Until new technologies emerge to address these issues in the food supply chain, these precautionary measures remain crucial for consumer safety.
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