Fruit Recall 2019: Fresh Cut Melons Recalled For Possible Salmonella Contamination

Watermelon slices — There are several interesting facts to know about watermelon. Slices of watermelon are pictured sitting on a table on Aug. 11, 2007 in Ames, Iowa. Eric Thayer/Getty Images

A variety of fresh cut fruit has been recalled by Caito Foods for possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled fruit affects fresh cut watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and mixed fruit containing these melons.

The recall is part of a similar recall that was made for fresh cut fruit in 2018. Caito Foods is making the recall "out of an abundance of caution." A total of 93 illnesses have been linked to the strain of Salmonella under investigation, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recalled melons were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers. They were distributed to Kroger under the Renaissance Food Group and Boar’s Head Private labels, the Target Garden Highway label, the Trader Joe Trader Joes label, the Walmart Freshness Guaranteed label, and the Amazon/Whole Foods Whole Food Market label.

The affected fruit was distributed throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

A full list of recalled fruit from Caito Foods can be viewed here.

Consumers should not consume the recalled fruit. They should dispose of its contents. Questions about the recall can be directed to 1-844-467-7278, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

Production of the recalled melons has been suspended by Caito Foods as well as all distribution of the products.

Salmonella can cause serious as well as fatal infections in young children, elderly adults, and those with a weakened immune system. Individuals can also experience fever, diarrhea which may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare instances, the Salmonella bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Caito Foods is making the recall in conjunction with the FDA.