Product Distributed to eight states, five with sickness
Caito has voluntarily recalled pre-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and any mixed fruit products that contains at least one of those three fruits. Whole melons are not included in this recall.
The reported illnesses have occurred in eight different states, including five cases confirmed in Illinois (none in Will County). The other affected states are Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri. The pre-cut melons had also been shipped to Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Although the original report first connected these melons to have been purchased from Walmart, it is recommended that all retailers and consumers discard any pre-cut melon products shipped from Caito Foods between April 17th and June 7th.
Will County Health Department Environmental Health Director Tom Casey says there are two sources of information that can help consumers determine if they have pre-cut melons that may be dangerous.
“If you still have the receipt, check the date of your purchase,” Casey said. “Then, simply look at the label and see if it lists Caito Foods as the distributor.” And, if you have already discarded the label and receipt and have pre-cut melons in your refrigerator, Casey says you should get rid of the product immediately as a precaution. “As we always say, ‘when in doubt, throw it out.’”
Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can lead to serious illness, as well as sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
For more information on this recall, consumers can go to https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/outbreaks/ucm610301.htm or call 844-467-7278 between 6 AM and 10 PM Monday through Friday, or 6 AM and 6 PM Saturday and Sunday.