Monday, November 27, 2023

CDC Provides Update on Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Cantaloupes, Now Close to 100 Infected

CDC provided an update on cases of Salmonella infection associated with cantaloupes. In the November 24th update, CDC states that there are now 99 cases of Salmonella infection with 2 deaths. This is 56 more cases than reported on November 20th. A recall of the cantaloupes from Sofia Produce of Arizona was first announced on November 9th, and then expanded on November 19th.  Additional recalls were posted on November 22nd and on November 24 for whole cantaloupes and cut cantaloups in trays (see below).

There are now 32 states with cases.



CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 99 (56 new)
Hospitalizations: 45 (28 new)
Deaths: 2 (2 new)
States: 32 (17 new)
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active (first posted on November 17, 2023)

November 24, 2023

Epidemiologic and laboratory data show that cantaloupes are contaminated with Salmonella and are making people in this outbreak sick.

Canada is also investigating this outbreak and has linked illness in Canada with the same Salmonella strain to cantaloupes.

Epidemiologic Data

Since the last update on November 17, 2023, 56 more illnesses have been reported. As of November 24, 99 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 32 states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 10, 2023 (see timeline). Of 77 people with information available, 45 have been hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported from Minnesota.

The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.

The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).

Demographics InformationTable of demographic information (n is the number of people with information available)

Age
(n=97) Range from <1 to 100 years
Median age of 62 years
Sex
(n=98) 60% Male
40% Female
Race
(n=75) 88% White
9% African American/Black
1% Asian
1% reported more than one race
Ethnicity
(n=73) 86% non-Hispanic
14% Hispanic

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 33 people interviewed, 29 (88%) reported eating cantaloupe. This percentage was significantly higher than the 19.6% of respondents who reported eating cantaloupe in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness.

Laboratory Data

WGS analysis of bacteria from 89 people’s samples did not predict resistance to any antibiotics. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) site.

Public Health Actions

On November 22, 2023, more recalls for whole and pre-cut cantaloupes were issued. Trufresh expanded their recall again to include all Malichita brand and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes. Crown Jewels recalled Malitchita brand whole cantaloupes. CF Dallas recalled pre-cut fruit products containing recalled cantaloupes.

CDC is advising people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled fruit.

CF Dallas, LLC, in Coordination with Sofia Produce, LLC Dba Trufresh, Voluntarily Recalls Select Fresh-Cut Fruit Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 22, 2023
FDA Publish Date:November 22, 2023
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Foodborne Illness, Salmonella
Company Name: CF Dallas, LLC
Brand Name: Seasonal Blend, Melon Trio and more
Product Description: Cantaloupes
Company Announcement
CF Dallas, LLC is voluntarily recalling select fresh-cut products made from whole cantaloupe subject to a previously announced product recall initiated by Sofia Produce, LLC dba Trufresh due to potential Salmonella contamination. All CF Dallas fresh-cut fruit products associated with the recalled whole cantaloupe have expired, however consumers who have purchased these items and may have frozen them for later use are urged not to consume the products and to dispose of them immediately or return the items to their local store for a full refund.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

As of November 22, there have been no illnesses reported related to CF Dallas fresh-cut products. The fresh-cut fruit products containing recalled cantaloupe were distributed to select retail stores in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana. The products are packaged in clear square or round plastic containers, marked with a lot code and “best by” date on the label.

Voluntarily recalled items include the specific products, lot codes, and expiration dates below. No other products are affected.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the whole cantaloupe recalled by Sofia Produce, LLC dba Trufresh, however, as of November 22, no illnesses have been confirmed to be associated with CF Dallas products.

Consumers who have questions or would like to report adverse reactions should contact CF Dallas, LLC customer service at 281-651-5400 Ext 5400 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM CT.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pacific-trellis-fruit-recalls-malichita-brand-cantaloupes-due-possible-health-risk
Pacific Trellis Fruit Recalls Malichita Brand Cantaloupes Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:
November 24, 2023
FDA Publish Date:
November 24, 2023
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:
Pacific Trellis Fruit, LLC dba Dulcinea
Brand Name:
Malichita
Product Description:
Whole Cantaloupe
Company Announcement
Pacific Trellis Fruit, LLC dba Dulcinea is initiating a voluntary recall of 4,872 cases of Malichita brand whole cantaloupe. The voluntary recall is due to the FDAs ongoing investigation of an outbreak involving Malichita brand cantaloupe. The cantaloupes have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain. In rare cases the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The products were distributed between October 18th - 26th in California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin, and sold in various retail supermarkets. The whole cantaloupe is packed in corrugated cartons, the price look-up sticker is labeled “Malichita”.

Brand Item Description PLU Lot Code
Malichita Whole Cantaloupe 4050 21651
Malichita Whole Cantaloupe 4050 21699
Malichita Whole Cantaloupe 4050 21775
Malichita Whole Cantaloupe 4050 21787
Malichita Whole Cantaloupe 4050 21870
This is an ongoing outbreak, and several illnesses have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States and Canada. To date, Pacific Trellis Fruit has not received any reports of illness.

Customers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the products and should dispose of them. Consumers may contact Pacific Trellis Fruit for further information at 323-859-9600 Monday - Friday 9AM – 5PM PST. Consumers with concerns about an illness from consumption of this product should contact a health care provider.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/crown-jewels-produce-recalls-malichita-z-farms-label-whole-cantaloupes-because-possible-health-risk
Crown Jewels Produce Recalls “Malichita / Z Farms” Label of Whole Cantaloupes Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Salmonella
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 22, 2023
FDA Publish Date:November 22, 2023
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name: Crown Jewel Produce Company
Brand Name: Malichita/ Z Farms
Product Description: Cantaloupes
Company Announcement
Jewel Marketing and Agribusiness LLC. (dba Crown Jewels Produce) of Fresno, CA is recalling all sizes of 1960 boxes of Malichita / Z Farms Cantaloupes sold between October 31, 2023 and November 9, 2023, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Product was distributed to Ohio, and California through retail and wholesale outlets.

Product was in boxes with a “wood-like” cardboard cartons with the Label “Malichita / Z Farms. The Price Lookup Sticker on the individual fruit is labeled “Malichita”.

This is an ongoing outbreak, and a number of illness have been reported throughout the United States, and Canada.

The company has ceased sales and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem." Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information. Consumers who have purchased ‘Malichita / Z Farms” Brand Cantaloupes are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with further questions may contact the Crown Jewels Produce M-F at 1-520-281-2325 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. MST. Please Ask for Rod Sbragia.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sofia-produce-llc-dba-trufresh-expands-recall-include-all-malichita-brand-and-rudy-brand-fresh
Sofia Produce, LLC DBA Trufresh Expands Recall to Include all “Malichita” Brand and “Rudy” Brand Fresh Cantaloupe Because of Possible Health Risk Due to Salmonella
Summary
Company Announcement Date:
November 22, 2023
FDA Publish Date:
November 22, 2023
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Potential Foodborne Illness, Salmonella
Company Name:
SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC dba Trufresh
Brand Name:
Malichita, Rudy
Product Description:
Cantaloupes
Company Announcement
For Immediate Release, November 22, 2023 SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC, of Nogales, Arizona which does business under the name “Trufresh” (“Trufresh”) has expanded its recall of all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the “Malichita” label, and also labeled with the “Rudy” label to include all cantaloupes sold between the dates of October 10, 2023 and November 3, 2023, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The cantaloupes were distributed directly to the following States in the United States: Arizona, California. Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and Canada. The cantaloupes would have reached consumers through retail produce markets which may be located in states other than those listed above.

Trufresh has been advised that there are 97 illnesses reported to date that have been associated with this strain of Salmonella.

The Malichita brand cantaloupes are packaged in cardboard containers bearing the “Malichita” label (picture attached). The Malichita brand cantaloupes also have an individual PLU sticker placed upon each cantaloupe in the form of the attached picture. As shown in the picture, the PLU sticker has a top half which is white which has the word “Malichita” written in script in black letters. The bottom of the PLU sticker is black and has the number “4050” prominently displayed in white letters together with the words “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”. This label will identify individual Malichita cantaloupes purchased by consumers.

The Rudy brand cantaloupes are packaged in cardboard containers bearing the “Rudy” label (picture attached). The Rudy brand cantaloupes also have an individual PLU sticker placed upon each cantaloupe in the form of the attached picture. As shown in the picture, the PLU sticker 4050 This label will identify individual Rudy cantaloupes purchased by consumers.

Trufresh began this recall after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) determined that Malichita cantaloupes have possible Salmonella contamination. The CFIA’s original recall was for possible Salmonella contamination of cantaloupes packaged with the same Malichita label and the same PLU sold to Fruits et Légumes Gaétan Bono. Trufresh is expanding the recall to encompass all cantaloupes under the Malichita brand and also the Rudy brand as a precautionary step.

Consumers should take the following actions:

Check to see if you have recalled products
Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased
Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled product are advised to contact their retailer.
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
Information for Buyers:

Trufresh is contacting each of the individual buyers to advise them of the recall. If the buyers associated with the above brands have not already been contacted by Trufresh, they should contact Trufresh at the number below.
Buyers associated with the above sales who have received any Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes should remove any remaining product from their sales inventory.
The Buyers should then dispose of the product and retain their records of disposal.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products may obtain additional information by contacting Rafael Roiz, Tru Fresh’s representative Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time at (520) 394-7370.


CORE's advisory


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