FDA updates Salmonella outbreak investigation, adds nearly 1,500 retail locations

April 24, 2019 - General News, By Pamela Riemenschneider

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In an effort to identify the source of the Salmonella Carrau tied to fresh-cut melon from Indianapolis-based Caito Foods, the Food and Drug Administration has released a detailed list of retail locations where the watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew could have been sold.

The number of illnesses tied to the outbreak has increased to 117, with 32 hospitalizations, as of April 24, according to the FDA.

Caito Foods issued the recall April 12. The initial recall listed Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Amazon/Whole Foods under the Renaissance Food Group, Boar’s Head, Garden Highway, Trader Joe’s, Freshness Guaranteed and Whole Foods Market labels.

On April 24, the FDA added addresses of nearly 1,500 stores where products could have been sold.

According to the update, the local and federal authorities continue to inspect Caito Foods’ processing facility, including collecting samples for laboratory analysis.

“FDA is also continuing its traceback investigation, examining shipping records to try to identify the specific source of these melons,” the agency said.

Last spring, 77 people were infected with Salmonella Adelaide in a melon outbreak tied to Caito Foods with illnesses ranging from April 30 to July 2. Caito Foods recalled pre-cut melon on June 8, and the outbreak was declared over on July 26.

In an effort to identify the source of the Salmonella Carrau tied to fresh-cut melon from Indianapolis-based Caito Foods, the Food and Drug Administration has released a detailed list of retail locations where the watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew could have been sold.

The number of illnesses tied to the outbreak has increased to 117, with 32 hospitalizations, as of April 24, according to the FDA.

Caito Foods issued the recall April 12. The initial recall listed Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Amazon/Whole Foods under the Renaissance Food Group, Boar’s Head, Garden Highway, Trader Joe’s, Freshness Guaranteed and Whole Foods Market labels.

On April 24, the FDA added addresses of nearly 1,500 stores where products could have been sold.

According to the update, the local and federal authorities continue to inspect Caito Foods’ processing facility, including collecting samples for laboratory analysis.

“FDA is also continuing its traceback investigation, examining shipping records to try to identify the specific source of these melons,” the agency said.

Last spring, 77 people were infected with Salmonella Adelaide in a melon outbreak tied to Caito Foods with illnesses ranging from April 30 to July 2. Caito Foods recalled pre-cut melon on June 8, and the outbreak was declared over on July 26.