This food recall is serious, folks. Unlike many recalls that are done just as a precaution, people are actually dying this time from tainted cantaloupe. So far the funky fruit is responsible for 141 illnesses, including 31 hospitalizations, and two deaths in 20 states, all from salmonella food poisoning.
Those are just the cases we know about too; it's possible there have been many more cases that just have gone unreported. According to CDC, the source has been tracked down to a farm in southwestern Indiana that distributed across the country. From California to New Jersey and plenty of other states in between, people have been falling ill from its cantaloupe.
This follows the big Trader Joe's cantaloupe recall last month, and of course, who could forget the deadly cantaloupe recall last year. I don't know about you, but I'm really starting to rethink this fruit for my family.
Here's what you need to know THIS time, according to the CDC:
- Consumers who recently purchased cantaloupes grown in southwestern Indiana are advised not to eat them and discard any remaining cantaloupe.
- Based on the available information, consumers can continue to purchase and eat cantaloupes that did not originate in southwestern Indiana.
- Many cantaloupes have the growing area identified with a sticker on the fruit. If no sticker is present, consumers should inquire about the source. When in doubt, throw it out.
They're also investigating whether other melons may be affected. Ugh. I just want to eat food without fear. It's especially frustrating when it's healthy foods that are affected in this way. Here you are trying to do the right thing -- feeding your family fresh fruits and veggies -- and then it turns out to be all sorts of wrong.
More from The Stir: Fast Food Apple Slices Recall Is a Great Excuse to Order the Fries
Apparently food safety experts are angry too. Food-safety advocate Nancy Donley told USA Today she's "hopping mad" about this latest one.
These illnesses and deaths are preventable. This shouldn't have happened.
But it did, once again. So check your melons, people.
Have you ever been affected by food poisoning? Do you have any of these cantaloupes?
Image via Royalty-free image collection/Flickr
Tie-Dye for the Fourth of July!
Mom Survives Horrific Domestic Abuse
Kim and Kanye's Baby Name Predictions!
Moms Love Birthday Parties, Too!
Comments 35
Oh wow, again - - - this sucks. I just bought a Cantaloupe too and haven't cut it yet. Will definitely be checking where it came from and/or throwing it out.
We had one here last night. The insides were tainted! Leave any of these alone!
I just can't risk eating cantaloupes this year while pregnant. It's sad, because they sure are tasty!
uuugh great we only have one store in town and guess what they pulled all cantelope and watermellon :(
buy from your local farmer's market if you have one!
Cantaloupe is one of my favorites, however--MOST stores do not disclose the source of their fruit, unless it's "locally grown" and even then, they are vague and usually lying. Sure, ANYTHING can be labeled "locally grown" but "locally where?" Right? My tomatoes are locally grown, to ME. Maybe not to you, but it doesn't change the fact that vague advertising can be misleading.
SMH. Guess I won't be getting any of this fruit this season