Multistate outbreak of Salmonella Carrau infections linked to pre-cut melons

April 17, 2019

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Carrau infections linked to pre-cut melons supplied by Caito Foods, LLC.

On April 12, 2019, Caito Foods, LLC, recalled pre-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and fruit medley products containing one of these melons that were produced at the Caito Foods, LLC, facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A total of 93 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from nine states (AL, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI). Twenty-three people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Illnesses started from March 4, 2019, to March 31, 2019.

This investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide updates when more information is available.

Do not eat, serve, or sell recalled pre-cut melon and fruit medley products produced by Caito Foods, LLC. They are sold under several brands and labels. Check FDA’s website for a full list of where recalled products were sold.

Caito Foods LLC supplies to various grocery stores, so it is important to look at the label description and brand information to identify the product. The pre-cut melons were sold under many different brand names, including several retailer and supermarket names. Recalled pre-cut melons were packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers.

Check your fridge and freezer for recalled products and throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If you cannot tell if the pre-cut melon you bought was produced by Caito Foods, LLC, don’t eat it. Throw it away. Follow these steps to clean your fridge if you had any recalled product.

Contact a healthcare provider if you think you got sick from eating pre-cut melon.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12-72 hours after eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

CDC has more information