Salmonella Bacteria Precut Melons
So much for your perfect summer fruit salads
Food poisoning is the worst. And while news on whether or not we're in the clear with the deadliest E. coli outbreak in a decade from contaminated romaine lettuce changes daily, it appears we've got another thing coming: salmonella.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, salmonella is to blame for making 60 people sick last month in a multi-state outbreak. Luckily, unlike the E. coli outbreak, whose source still has federal investigators scratching their heads, the salmonella outbreak can be traced back to precut melons prepared at a food facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As reported by The New York Times, packages of fresh-cut watermelon, honeydew melon and cantaloupe are currently being recalled in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. The fruit was sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers at places like Costco, Trader Joe's, Walmart and Whole Foods/Amazon.
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The investigation is ongoing, and the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you check your fridge and freezer immediately and throw away any suspect items.
Of the 60 victims reported sick, 31 have been hospitalized, but there are zero reported deaths. Salmonella sickens more than one million people annually in the States, with common symptoms including temporary fever, vomiting and abdominal pain.