2 sick in NC from Salmonella-contaminated fresh cut fruit, CDC warns against these brands
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning people of a Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh cut fruit. At least two people in North Carolina have fallen ill as a result of contamination.
The CDC’s latest numbers show nearly 100 people in 32 states have fallen ill. An additional 45 people have been hospitalized. The CDC reports two people in Minnesota died.
Interviews with sick people and laboratory findings continue to show that cantaloupes are making people in this outbreak sick, the CDC says.
What to look out for
People in North Carolina should be aware of the Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes.
Consumers should be on the lookout for several brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes.
Whole cantaloupes
- Might have a sticker that says “Malichita” or “Rudy,” with the number “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”
Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes
- Includes cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys
- Sold in Oklahoma stores between October 30 and November 10, 2023
- Most have a yellow label with “Vinyard,” and some have a red label with “Fresh”
ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products
- Includes whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks in clamshell packaging, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging
- Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31, 2023
- Sold in ALDI stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes
- Includes cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blend, melon mixes, and fruit mixes
- Packed in clear square or round plastic containers
- Best-by dates between November 7 to November 12, 2023
- Sold in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
The CDC says investigators are working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated.
