Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes in Canada and US - 11 deaths

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/...lla-illnesses/

Canadian officials confirm cantaloupe link to outbreak of Salmonella illnesses
By Coral Beach on November 16, 2023

Public health officials in Canada have confirmed that cantaloupes are the source of an outbreak of Salmonella infections.

The British Columbia Center for Disease Control reports that the outbreak is ongoing. So far there are eight confirmed patients in the province. There are likely more sick people because many do not seek medical treatment and other who do are not specifically tested for Salmonella infection.

The imported cantaloupes sold under the brand “Malichita” have been recalled in Canada and the United States. They may have small stickers with a very small version of the Malichita logo.

There have not yet been any confirmed cases of Salmonella infection in the United States linked to the implicated cantaloupes...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/one-pe...phac-1.6661372


One person dead, 63 confirmed cases in salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe: PHAC

The Canadian Press
Staff
Contact
Published Nov. 26, 2023 10:42 a.m. EST

OTTAWA -

The Public Health Agency of Canada says one person has died after a salmonella outbreak linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes.

An update from the agency posted on Friday offered no details on the person who died, but says there have been 63 confirmed salmonella cases linked to the outbreak and seventeen people hospitalized.

all warnings three times in November for Malichita cantaloupes sold between October 11 and November 14.

On November 24, it updated its warning to include Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10 and November 24.

The cantaloupes were distributed across the country, and the agency says confirmed salmonella cases have been identified in five provinces so far: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island...

[Mary Wilson]

More cantaloupe products recalled in Canada because of possible link to deadly outbreak

By News Desk on December 4, 2023

Sixteen more freshcut cantaloupe products have been recalled in Canada because of links to a deadly international Salmonella outbreak.

The most recent outbreak update for Canada, posted Nov. 24, showed 63 confirmed patients with 17 of them hospitalized and one dead.

As of Nov. 30, there were 117 confirmed patients in the United States, up by 18 since the previous update on Nov. 24. At lease 61 of the patients have required hospitalization and two people have died. The outbreak stretches across 34 states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The implicated whole cantaloupe in both countries was imported from Mexico. ...

https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/12/more-cantaloupe-products-recalled-in-canada-because-of-possible-link-to-deadly-outbreak/#more-234593

[Pathfinder]

1. Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes

Investigation Details


Posted December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023 Epidemiologic Data


Since the last update on November 30, 113 more illnesses have been reported. As of December 6, 230 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 38 states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 16, 2023, to November 20, 2023 (see timeline). Of 185 people with information available, 96 (52%) have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported, two from Minnesota and one from Oregon.

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).

Age (n=227)	Range from <1 to 100 years Median age of 59 years 27% are 5 years or younger 47% are 65 years or older
Sex (n=229)	54% Male 46% Female
Race (n=171)	85% White 10% African American/Black 3% Asian 1% Native American or Alaska Native 1% reported more than one race
Ethnicity (n=170)	88% non-Hispanic 12% Hispanic

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 105 people interviewed, 78 (74%) 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. Of the 78 people who reported eating cantaloupe, 42 people specifically reported eating pre-cut cantaloupe and 18 reported eating whole cantaloupe.

Twenty-four people resided at long-term care facilities when they got sick. Of 12 interviewed, 9 reported eating cantaloupe.

Twenty-three children attended childcare centers when they got sick. Of 20 children with information available, 13 ate cantaloupe. Laboratory Data


WGS analysis of bacteria from 228 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 Action


Since the last update, two additional recalls for pre-cut cantaloupes have been issued.

• On November 30, Cut Fruit Express recalled pre-cut cantaloupe products with use-by dates from November 4 through November 6.
• On December 5, TGD Cuts recalled pre-cut cantaloupe products with use-by dates from November 2 through November 24.

All cantaloupe recalls are listed on FDA’s cantaloupe recall website.

...

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/details.html

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canta...nada-1.7053006

5 now dead in 'major' cantaloupe salmonella outbreak as Canadian cases nearly double
Many patients were children in daycare or seniors in care, health agency says
Rhianna Schmunk · CBC News · Posted: Dec 08, 2023 8:48 AM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours ago

Officials say a significant salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe sold across Canada this fall has killed five people and sickened dozens more, with many patients being children in daycare or seniors in long-term care.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said the death toll had risen to five as of Thursday, but provided no further detail.

An update said the outbreak, linked to contaminated Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, has made 129 people sick across six provinces — nearly double the number of cases reported on Dec. 1, when there was just a single death.

"Many of those individuals have reported living in long-term care facilities, retirement homes and attending daycare. Quite unfortunately, people in those age groups are often at highest risk for severe illness and that is what we are seeing in this outbreak investigation," April Hexemer, director of the outbreak management division at PHAC, said of the current cases.

"This is more [cases] than what we would normally see in a salmonella outbreak investigation."...

[Pathfinder]

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes




Posted December 7, 2023

CDC is concerned about this outbreak because the illnesses are severe and people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers have gotten sick. Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used.

Fast Facts

• Illnesses: 230 (113 new)
• Hospitalizations: 96 (35 new)
• Deaths: 3 (1 new)
• States: 38 (4 new)
• Recall: Yes
• Investigation status: Active (first posted on November 17, 2023)

Stickers for recalled whole cantaloupes



Cantaloupe



Stickers for recalled whole cantaloupes



Cantaloupe



Stickers for recalled whole cantaloupes

• 1
• 2

Recalled Food

Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes

• Might have a sticker that says “Malichita” or “Rudy,” with the number “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”
• See Trufresh recall, Crown Jewels recall, and Pacific Trellis recall for more details

Pre-cut fruit products made with recalled whole cantaloupes

• Kwik Trip cantaloupe cups, mixed fruit cups, and fruit tray with sell-by dates from November 4 through December 3
• TGD Cuts cantaloupe chunks, mixed fruits, and fruit trays with use-by dates from November 2 through November 24
• Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blend, melon mixes, and fruit mixes with best-by dates from November 7 through November 12
• Vinyard cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys sold in Oklahoma stores from October 30 through November 10
• Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s cantaloupe chunks, mixed melons, fruit medleys, and fruit trays with best-by dates from October 28 through November 8
• Cut Fruit Express cantaloupe chunks, melon mixes, and fruit mixes with use-by dates from November 4 through November 6
• ALDI [PDF – 2 pages] whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks, and pineapple spears with best-by dates from October 27 through October 31
• Bix Produce cantaloupe fruit cups and mixed fruit cups with sell-by dates of October 25 and October 26
• All cantaloupe recalls are listed on FDA’s cantaloupe recall website.

What You Should Do

• Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used.
  • This includes cantaloupe chunks and fruit mixes with cantaloupes at restaurants and grocery stores.
• Do not eat any recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products.
  • If you have any, throw them away or return them to the store.
  • If the whole cantaloupe does not have a sticker, check with the store to make sure it is not a Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the cantaloupe using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Not peeing much
    • Dry mouth and throat
    • Feeling dizzy when standing up

What Long-Term Care Facilities, Childcare Centers, and Hospitals Should Do

Adults 65 and older, children under 5 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick from Salmonella. In this outbreak, 24 sick people resided in long-term care facilities and 23 children attended childcare centers before they got sick.

CDC advises facilities that care for people at higher risk to not serve cantaloupes that may be contaminated:

• Do not use any recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupes.
• Do not serve any cantaloupe that was supplied pre-cut if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used.

What Businesses Should Do

• Do not sell or serve recalled cantaloupes and products made with recalled cantaloupe, even if they have been washed.
  • Washing does not remove all germs and does not make recalled products safe to eat.
• Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled cantaloupes.

Symptoms of Salmonella

• Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
  • Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.
  • Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
• Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
• For more information about Salmonella, see the Salmonella Questions and Answers page.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sunds...-23/index.html

[Pathfinder]

Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes



December 7, 2023 - Update On this page

• Why you should take note
• Investigation summary
• Symptoms
• What you should do to protect your health
• Epidemiological information
• Additional information
• Investigation history
• Media contact
• Public inquiries

Why you should take note


The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with federal and provincial public health partners, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella infections in six provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Based on the investigation findings to date, consumption of Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak. Many of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten cantaloupe before their illnesses occurred.

The majority of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger, or adults 65 years of age or older. Many cases also report residing in a long-term care home, retirement residence or attending daycare.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued food recall warnings on November 1, November 14 and November 17 for Malichita brand cantaloupes sold between October 11 and November 14, 2023. On November 24, 2023, CFIA updated the food recall warning to also include Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10 and November 24, 2023. The recalled products were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and possibly other provinces and territories. Additional secondary recalls have been issued for products that were made using recalled cantaloupes and for produce items that were processed alongside recalled cantaloupes. This includes other fruit like honeydew, pineapple, watermelon and various fruit trays.

The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through additional food recall warnings. For more information on the recalled products, please consult CFIA's recall notice.

To prevent illness, do not eat, serve, use, sell, or distribute:

• Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe
• Any products made with Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe
• Any recalled produce

If you are unable to verify the brand of cantaloupe, or if your produce is part of the CFIA recalls, it is recommended to throw it out. This advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers, food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and facilities such as hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement residences and daycares, across Canada.

This public health notice will be updated as the investigation evolves.

Investigation summary


As of December 7, there have been 129 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (15), Ontario (17), Quebec (91), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. Individuals became sick between mid-October and mid-November 2023. Forty-four (44) individuals have been hospitalized. Five deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 0 to 100 years of age. The majority of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger (35%), or adults 65 years of age or older (45%). About half of the cases (52%) are female.

CFIA issued food recall warnings on November 1, November 14 and November 17 for Malichita brand cantaloupes sold between October 11 and November 14, 2023. On November 24, 2023, CFIA updated the food recall warning to also include Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10 and November 24, 2023. Additional secondary recalls have been issued for products that were made using recalled cantaloupes and for produce items that were processed alongside recalled cantaloupes.

Through the CFIA investigation the outbreak strains of Salmonella that made people sick were found in samples of the recalled Malichita brand cantaloupe.

More recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 2 and 4 weeks.

The U.S. CDC is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to cantaloupes that is the same genetic strain as illnesses reported in this outbreak.

Symptoms


Symptoms typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria, and usually last for 4-7 days.

Symptoms may include:

• fever
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• abdominal cramps

People who are infected with Salmonella bacteria can spread Salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms. Salmonella can spread by person to person contact and contaminated surfaces. Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization.

Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. If you think you're experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider.

Those at higher risk for serious illness include:

• older adults
• young children
• people who are pregnant
• people with weakened immune systems

What you should do to protect your health


The following advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers, food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and facilities such as hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement residences and daycares, across Canada:

• Do not eat, serve, use, sell or distribute Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, any products made with Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe or any recalled produce.
• Check to see if you have Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, any products made with the cantaloupe, or any recalled produce stored at home or in your freezer. If you do, throw them out and wash your hands.
• If you are unable to verify the brand of cantaloupe, or if your produce is part of the CFIA recalls, it is recommended to throw it out.
• Clean and sanitize all surfaces and storage areas that Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe or any products made with recalled produce may have come in contact with, including countertops, containers, utensils, freezers and refrigerators.
• If you have been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness, do not cook food for other people.

Epidemiological information


Figure 1 is an epidemiological curve for this outbreak. Outbreak investigators use this information to show when illnesses begin, when they peak, and when they trail off. It can take several weeks from the time a person becomes ill to when the illness is reported and testing confirms a link to the outbreak. Data are available for 129 cases.

Figure 1. Number of people infected with Salmonella Soahanina, Salmonella Sundsvall, and Salmonella Oranienburg Figure 1 - Text description

Additional information

• Salmonellosis (Salmonella)
• Safe food handling practices
• Recalls, advisories and safety alerts
• Produce Safety
• U.S. CDC's Salmonella investigation notice
• FDA's Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cantaloupes
• CFIA's Food Recall Warning – November 1, 2023

Investigation history

Public Health Notice: November 17, 2023 Public Health Notice: November 22, 2023 Public Health Notice: November 24, 2023 Public Health Notice: December 1, 2023

Media contact


Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca

Public inquiries


Call toll-free: 1-866-225-0709
Email: info@hc-sc.gc.ca Page details

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Date modified: 2023-12-07

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2023/outbreak-salmonella-infections-malichita-cantaloupes.html

[Pathfinder]

Nova Scotia -

POSTED
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
at 13:12 PM AST

Public Health links four cases of Salmonella illness to national outbreak

Nova Scotia Health Public Health has linked four cases of Salmonella infection in the Northern and Central Zones to the national outbreak first reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada in November 2023. The cases in Nova Scotia were initially investigated in late November, however, the National Microbiology Laboratory has just confirmed that these cases were caused by the same strain of bacteria identified in the national outbreak. All cases presented with symptoms, were tested, and have all since recovered with appropriate medical care.

As of December 7, there have been 129 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella illness linked to this outbreak across the country. Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation in other provinces and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. For more information about the national outbreak, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices.html.

Based on the national investigation findings to date, consumption of Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes sold in October and November have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued several food recall warnings on Malichita brand cantaloupes sold between October 11 and November 14, 2023, Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10 and November 24, 2023. To view all recalls, visit:

https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/fresh-cut-cantaloupe-products-recalled-due-salmonella-0

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria, and usually last for 4-7 days. Symptoms may include:

• fever
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• abdominal cramps

If you think you're experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 811.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection, but young children, the elderly, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for contracting serious illness.

Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days. It is possible for some people to be infected with the bacteria and to not get sick or show any symptoms, but to still be able to spread the infection to others.

What you should do to protect your health:

• People should wash their hands prior to cutting up a melon and wash the melon with warm water using a clean produce brush. Bacteria from the rind can transfer to the inside of the melon if you cut it before washing.
• Do not eat, serve, use, sell or distribute Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, any products made with Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe or any recalled produce.
• Check to see if you have Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe, any products made with the cantaloupe, or any recalled produce stored at home or in your freezer. If you do, throw them out and wash your hands.
• If you are unable to verify the brand of cantaloupe, or if your produce is part of the CFIA recalls, it is recommended to throw it out.
• Clean and sanitize all surfaces and storage areas that Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe or any products made with recalled produce may have come in contact with, including countertops, containers, utensils, freezers and refrigerators.
• Do not leave cut produce/fruit trays out for long periods of time at room temperature (under 2 hours is recommended).
• Always wash your hands after contact with animals. Also wash your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, or helping someone with diarrhea clean up.
• If you have a Salmonella infection, you should not prepare food or drinks for others until you no longer have diarrhea.

https://www.nshealth.ca/news-and-not...ional-outbreak

[Pathfinder]

Public Health Agency of Canada

Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes

December 15, 2023 - Update
...
Investigation summary

As of December 15, there have been 153 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (17), Alberta (3), Ontario (20), Quebec (103), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (4) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. Individuals became sick between mid-October and late-November 2023. Fifty-three (53) individuals have been hospitalized. Six deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 0 to 100 years of age. The majority of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger (35%), or adults 65 years of age or older (44%). Half of the cases (50%) are female.
...

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2023/outbreak-salmonella-infections-malichita-cantaloupes.html

-------------------------------------------------------------

CDC

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes

Investigation Details

Posted December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023

Epidemiologic Data

Since the last update on December 7, 72 more illnesses have been reported. As of December 14, 302 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 42 states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 16, 2023, to November 28, 2023 (see timeline). Of 263 people with information available, 129 (49%) have been hospitalized. Four deaths have been reported, three from Minnesota and one from Oregon.

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.
...

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/details.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Translation Google

Cofepris and Senasica carry out specific health surveillance of melons possibly contaminated with Salmonella

Joint statement/2023

Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks | December 15, 2023 Cofepris established communication with Coeprisson to inform about the batches of melons returned from the United States

• Canada and the United States reported to this health authority the detection of Salmonella in cantaloupe melon processed in Mexico
• Senasica carries out technical analysis to know the origin or moment of the contamination

Mexico City, December 15, 2023.- The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) reports that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Food Administration and Drugs of the United States (FDA, for its acronym in English) notified this regulatory agency of the detection of Salmonella in cantaloupe melon (< a i=3>Cucumis melo), processed in the state of Sonora.

Given this situation, Cofepris established communication with the State Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks of Sonora (Coeprisson) to report on the batches of melons returned from the United States, with the purpose of carrying out an intentional search through a verification visit to the company. processor.

Likewise, the National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica), attached to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader), was informed so that, within the scope of its competence, it can carry out the actions it considers relevant and report the results in order to complement the care strategy in the national territory.

Coeprisson reported that, after two health verification visits to the processing company, a security measure was applied that consisted of a temporary suspension of activities. In addition, through Senasica and with the collaboration of the State Committee for Plant Health, sampling of inert surfaces and water was carried out, from which notification of results on the origin or moment of contamination is expected.

The FDA reported that, in the United States, several companies have carried out voluntary recalls of products from distributors who were involved in the marketing of contaminated melon.

Therefore, this regulatory authority carries out health surveillance actions continuously and in coordination with other institutions to prevent contaminated products from being marketed, putting the health of the population at risk.

--OO--

https://www.gob.mx/cofepris/articulos/cofepris-y-senasica-realizan-vigilancia-sanitaria-puntual-a-melones-posiblemente-contaminados-con-salmonella

[Pathfinder]

Public Health Agency of Canada Public Health Notices

Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes
...
Investigation summary

As of December 22, there have been 164 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (18), Alberta (4), Ontario (21), Quebec (111), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (4) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. Individuals became sick between mid-October and early December 2023. Sixty-one (61) individuals have been hospitalized. Seven deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 0 to 100 years of age. The majority of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger (36%), or adults 65 years of age or older (45%). About half of the cases (52%) are female.

CFIA issued food recall warnings on November 1, November 14 and November 17 for Malichita brand cantaloupes sold between October 11 and November 14, 2023. On November 24, 2023, CFIA updated the food recall warning to also include Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10 and November 24, 2023. Additional secondary recalls have been issued for products that were made using recalled cantaloupes and for produce items that were processed alongside recalled cantaloupes.

Through the CFIA investigation the outbreak strains of Salmonella that made people sick were found in samples of the recalled Malichita brand cantaloupe.

More recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 2 and 6 weeks.

The U.S. CDC is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to cantaloupes that is the same genetic strain as illnesses reported in this outbreak.
...

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2023/outbreak-salmonella-infections-malichita-cantaloupes.html