At least eight people are now dead − three in the United States and five in Canada − and hundreds have fallen ill following a cantaloupe recall tied to a salmonella outbreak, health officials in both countries reported Thursday.
Since mid-November, 230 people in 38 U.S. states fell ill after eating the melons affected in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. Of those who became sick, so far at least 96 have been hospitalized.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported Cut Fruit Express initiated a recall of cantaloupe chunks and fruit mixes containing cantaloupe on Nov. 30, and on Dec. 5, TGD Cuts, LLC initiated a recall of the specific fresh-cut fruit cup, clamshell and tray products because they contain cantaloupe from TruFresh.
According to data from the CDC, 78 of 105 cases stemmed from exposure to cantaloupe and 42 people who fell ill report eating pre-cut cantaloupe.
In Canada, where the fruit was also shipped, 129 cases have been reported in six of the country's 10 provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Health officials there said 44 people were hospitalized after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency first issued the fruit recall warning on Nov. 1.
"Based on the investigation findings to date, consumption of Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak," Canadian health officials wrote in a press release.
Many cases there, officials said, involved young children attending daycare and people over age 65 living in a long-term care home or retirement facility.
Cantaloupe recall:Check cut fruit products sold at Trader Joe's, Kroger and Sprouts
Whole cantaloupe from the following brands is being recalled:
Stores that received recalled pre-cut cantaloupe and products containing pre-cut cantaloupes, as well as brand names include:
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and fatal infections in children, the elderly, and other people with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever 12- 72 hours after eating a contaminated product.
Most people recover without treatment, but in rare circumstances the infection can require hospitalization, the health agency said. Pregnant women are also at higher risk of developing an infection from it and should seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
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According to the CDC, consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers "should not eat, sell, or serve recalled cantaloupe" or recalled products containing the fruit.
Health experts also recommend the following:
The FDA said health officials continued to investigate whether additional products are linked to illnesses and will provide updates when they are available.
A complete list of the recalls is available here.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund
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