By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe
In the wake of an April recall and outbreak, the CDC confirmed today that the Pre-cut Melon Salmonella Carrau outbreak is over.
The final outbreak stats confirm that pre-cut melon products and melon mixes produced by Caito Foods sickened 137 people and hospitalized 38. Fortunately, no deaths were reported. Most of the cases that have been reported are concentrated in the Midwest, hitting Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Alabama. Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. Ohio was the hardest state hit, with upwards of 42 cases reported. The latest report confirms that illnesses started on dates ranging from March 3, 2019, to May 1, 2019. The ages of those who were sick ranged in age from less than one to 98 years, with a median age of 53. Also, 63% of these cases were female.
For some additional good news, the CDC announced that whole genome sequencing analysis did not identify antibiotic resistance in the 76 Salmonella isolates from ill people.
In the meantime, the recall is still ongoing. The CDC also reminded the public that it “recommends that consumers, restaurants, and retailers choose and handle fruit safely to help prevent foodborne illness. Wash hands and food preparation surfaces before and after handling fruit. Refrigerate pre-cut fruit at 40°F or colder.”
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