Whole and Pre-Cut Cantaloupe Recalled From Aldi and Other Stores in 32 States Due to Salmonella Outbreak

Just two months after Eagle Produce LLC voluntarily recalled cantaloupe sold in 19 states, there’s another cantaloupe recall due to potential salmonella contamination. This one is more widespread, affecting 32 states and fruit sold under multiple labels. 

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 99 illnesses, 45 hospitalizations, and two deaths due to the contaminated cantaloupes. The investigation into the outbreak—which was first posted on the CDC’s website on Nov. 17, 2023— is still active. 

The recall affects both whole cantaloupes and pre-cut cantaloupes. It is currently linked to “an ongoing outbreak,” and investigators are working to identify additional products that may be contaminated.

Consumers are urged not to eat the recalled products and to discard them. Any item or surface that may have touched possibly contaminated fruit should be washed using hot, soapy water or the dishwasher. The FDA also advises that if you cannot tell if the cantaloupe you purchased is part of the recall, you should not eat it and throw it away.

Whole Cantaloupes Recalled

Cantaloupes sold with stickers that say “Malichita” or “Rudy,” “4050,” and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique” have been recalled. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that retail stores in the following states have received potentially contaminated cantaloupes: Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennesse, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Texas, and Florida, as well as Canada. 

The FDA also reports that the list “may not include all states as the cantaloupes could have reached consumers through further retail distribution.”

Pre-Cut Cantaloupe Products Recalled (Made From Recalled Whole Cantaloupes)

Vinyard Brand and Fresh Pre-Cut Cantaloupes Recalled 

In Oklahoma, possibly contaminated cantaloupe was sold under two labels. Most were sold under a yellow “Vinyard” label, but some packages have a red label with “Fresh” on them. Twelve products sold in retail stores between Oct. 30 and Nov. 20 are recalled under these two labels. See the FDA’s website for the specific package names, product codes, best-by dates, and VFVC (Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company) codes included in the recall. 

Aldi Whole Cantaloupe and Pre-Cut Fruit Recalled

Aldi stores sold possibly contaminated cantaloupe products in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin from Oct. 27-31. Whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks in clamshell packaging, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging are all in the Aldi-specific recall. See Aldi’s website for product names, package descriptions, sizes, UPCs, production/lot codes, and best-by dates included in the recall.

Freshness Guaranteed Brand and RaceTrac Brand Pre-Cut Cantaloupes Recalled

Retail stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia sold cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blend, melon mixes, and fruit mixes that may contain contaminated cantaloupe from Nov. 7-12.

Twelve different products are affected, 11 under the brand Freshness Guaranteed and one under the brand RaceTrac. The FDA’s website lists the specific brand names, item names, UPC codes, weight, lot, and best-by dates of the affected products, all sold in clear square or round plastic containers.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

The symptoms of salmonella infections usually begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure. They include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever lasting four to seven days. The CDC urges consumers to seek medical attention for diarrhea plus a fever higher than 102 degrees F (39 degrees C), diarrhea that lasts more than three days and is not improving, bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, and signs of dehydration.