The world is familiar with the concept of an outbreak, but never did anyone expect that one would result from something as innocent as a cantaloupe. Yet, beginning on November fourteenth, the ever-expanding onslaught of salmonella reports was attributed to precut cantaloupes found in many grocery stores. It’s impossible to know how many people exactly are affected, since determining the source of an illness is difficult and there are likely people who were infected but never tested before recovery. But the data we do have is clear.
As of December fourth, there have been 117 illnesses, 61 hospitalizations, and at least 2 deaths related to the outbreak. Spread across 34 states, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention urges caution when dealing with potentially contaminated products. Recalls have been issued for precut cantaloupes at major grocery stores like Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmer’s Market, and many more. These numbers may be alarming to some, but this is far from the first time something like this has occurred.
In fact, the CDC reports 78 food-related disease outbreaks between the years 2017 and 2021. The main culprit was lettuce. A leafy green people like to eat raw, if a batch gets contaminated it’s almost certain to infect people.
Not every food-borne illness is counted as part of an outbreak, and not every outbreak is publicly reported. There are many times when it’s impossible to determine the source of an outbreak. Sometimes the source is found but by the time the problem is located the product is already out of circulation, rendering any public warning useless. However, the CDC still recommends washing all leafy greens before consumption. Simple running water should do the trick. Removing the outer leaves on a head of lettuce before use can also decrease the risk of disease.
When it comes to dealing with products that are part of a recall and likely contaminated, CDC guidelines are consistent across food items. They stress the importance of never eating or selling recalled products and disposing of them in a safe manner. Throwing them away inside a sealed bag in an outdoor trashcan is preferable. Tight or difficult to access lids are even better. It is also important to get rid of any food items that come in contact with potentially contaminated products in case the germs spread. Any surfaces or containers that touched the product should be washed thoroughly.
Salmonella is the main threat from contaminated cantaloupes. While its symptoms aren’t usually deadly, they are highly unpleasant. Diarrhea, fevers, and stomach cramps begin setting in from six hours to six days after consumption, usually taking four to seven days to finally pass. Children, the elderly, and the otherwise immunocompromised tend to be at higher risk for hospitalization or even death. So, if you have a precut cantaloupe sitting at home, it is worth checking the recall list for more details. And if in doubt, throw it out. No melon is worth your health.
