Imported Salmonella-Tainted Melons Sicken 117 in 10 States

The number of people sickened by salmonella linked to fresh-cut melons has increased to 117 to 10 states. According to a news report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released a list of hundreds of retail outlets that have received these products including Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Wal-Mart and Amazon/Whole Foods. The melons in question were shipped by Caito Foods, but their exact source has not been released. The FDA is continuing its “trace-back investigation” to determine the source.

Details About the Outbreak

The FDA has expanded the list of private-label brands in the outbreak, first reported in April 12. In its first update on April 24, the FDA posted the locations of almost 1,500 retail locations that received the fresh-cut cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon products from Indianapolis-based Caito Foods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness onset dates range from March 4 to April 8. So far, no deaths have been reported. But 32 of those sickened were hospitalized.

The type of salmonella involved in this outbreak, Salmonella Carrau, is rarely seen in imported melons. Federal officials are continuing to inspect the Caito Foods facility where the melons were processed and packed. CDC reported that 46 of those who fell ill reported eating fresh-cut melons from grocery stores. Five people said they ate pre-cut melons outside their home. Caito recalled all melon products from the facility on April 12. Caito Foods was linked to a similar outbreak in 2018 involving Salmonella Adelaide in fresh-cut melon products.

Compensation for Your Losses

Salmonella illnesses can be brutal with symptoms ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to stomach cramps and fever. Salmonella is the form of food poisoning that results in most hospitalizations. Some are left with lifelong health issues. If you have contracted salmonella as a result of a food producer’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.

If you have become ill, make sure you get prompt medical attention, care and treatment. If you have any of the food left, isolate it and preserve it carefully so it can be tested in a lab for the presence of bacteria or other pathogens. Report your illness to the local healthcare agency, which tracks these types of outbreaks. Contact an experienced food poisoning lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization and pain and suffering.

Source: https://www.thepacker.com/article/fda-seeking-source-imported-melons-salmonella-outbreak