FDA investigating salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut melons

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control, along with state and local officials, are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella adelaide infections. The agencies said epidemiologic and preliminary traceback evidence indicates that pre-cut melon distributed by Caito Foods is a likely source of this outbreak. According to a release, Caito Foods has voluntarily recalled their products, to prevent further distribution of potentially contaminated products.

The recalled products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and distributed in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. The FDA said it is currently working with state partners to trace back the pre-cut melons to identify the source of the pathogen, to determine the full distribution of the pre-cut melons and to learn more about how the contamination occurred.

So far, there are 60 people ill with this strain of salmonella in five states: six in Illinois, 11 in Indiana, 32 in Michigan, 10 in Missouri and one in Ohio. The ages of the ill people range from less than one year to 97 (median 67 years) and 65 percent of cases are female. Reported illness onset dates range from April 30 to May 28. Among 47 patients with available information, 31 (66 percent) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.