We will begin with the latest update regarding the recall of fresh-cut melon products, possibly contaminated with Salmonella.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on June 9, 2018, Caito Foods is voluntarily recalling fresh cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and fresh-cut mixed fruit containing one of these melons, produced at their facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.
At least 60 people are sick in all, including 32 in Michigan, 11 in Indiana, six in Illinois, and one in Missouri, reports CNN. The CDC reported on Saturday they have confirmed that 58 of the 60 cases are linked to the melons. Of the sick, 31 have been hospitalized and to date, there have been no deaths associated with the outbreak.
The recalled melon products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and distributed in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. It is also possible the products were shipped between April 17 and June 7, 2018, so they could still be on store shelves. This recall extends to both retailers and consumers.
Stores carrying the melon include Costco, Jay C, Kroger, Payless, Owen’s, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart and Whole Foods/Amazon. The CDC said that retailers should not serve or sell pre-cut melon products that were distributed by SpartanNash Distribution, Caito Foods Distribution, and Gordon Food Service. This recall does not apply to whole melons.
For a complete list of the products and the distributors, please go to the FDA website.
Backyard chickens responsible for Salmonella outbreak
The CDC is reporting an outbreak of salmonella linked to backyard chickens that has made 124 people in 36 states sick as of June 1. So far, 21 people have been hospitalized. At least one-third of the illnesses are in children under the age of five.
Of those people questioned about contacts, 74 percent said they had contact with chicks or ducklings in the week before their illness started. The CDC also points out that this latest Salmonella outbreak linked to live poultry is the 70th the agency has dealt with since 2000.
“The people who got sick reported getting chicks and ducklings from places such as feed supply stores, websites, hatcheries, and from relatives,” the CDC said. “People can get sick from salmonella from touching live poultry or their environment. Birds carrying the bacteria can appear healthy and clean,” it added.
“It’s important to always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in their environment. Don’t let children younger than 5 years handle or touch live poultry without adult supervision.”
Salmonella is a very common cause of food poisoning. Every year, it makes about 1.2 million people sick, puts 23,000 into the hospital and kills 450 people in the U.S. Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The infection usually strikes within 12 to 72 hours and can last up to a week
Megin Nichols, a DVM with the CDC says, “CDC doesn’t recommend snuggling or kissing the birds or touching them to your mouth, because that’s one way we know people become infected with Salmonella.”
