FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2023
New Mexico linked to national Salmonella outbreak in cantaloupes
SANTA FE – Two New Mexico patients with Salmonella have been identified by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) connected to the ongoing national outbreak involving cantaloupes. Both patients, one from Bernalillo County and one from Doña Ana County, have recovered.
Currently, 38 states have been linked to this outbreak, with 230 people affected, 96 hospitalized, and 3 deaths. Adults 65 and older, children under 5 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick from Salmonella. In this outbreak nationally, 24 sick people have resided in long-term care facilities and 23 children attended childcare centers before they got sick. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall for Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, with sticker number “4050” as seen below:
“Since New Mexico has two people infected with the ongoing nationwide cantaloupe-related Salmonella bacteria outbreak, NMDOH urges the public to check all cantaloupe in your possession, both whole and pre-cut, to make sure your fruit is not among those recalled. If you aren’t sure, throw your cantaloupe away,” said Chad Smelser, M.D., Deputy State Epidemiologist. “By following our guidance, we can prevent further cantaloupe-associated Salmonella infections in our state.”
In addition, the following items are made with pre-cut cantaloupe from Malichita and Rudy:
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- Kwik Trip cantaloupe cups, mixed fruit cups, and fruit tray with sell-by dates from November 4 through December 3
- TGD Cuts cantaloupe chunks, mixed fruits, and fruit trays with use-by dates from November 2 through November 24
- Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blend, melon mixes, and fruit mixes with best-by dates from November 7 through November 12
- Vinyard cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys sold in Oklahoma stores from October 30 through November 10
- Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s cantaloupe chunks, mixed melons, fruit medleys, and fruit trays with best-by dates from October 28 through November 8
- Cut Fruit Express cantaloupe chunks, melon mixes, and fruit mixes with use-by dates from November 4 through November 6
- ALDI whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks, and pineapple spears with best-by dates from October 27 through October 31
- Bix Produce cantaloupe fruit cups and mixed fruit cups with sell-by dates of October 25 and October 26
Do not eat any of the above recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NMDOH advise you to not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know their source.
To help prevent against Salmonella infection, practice proper hand hygiene with soap and water, avoid cross-contamination of food items, and call your healthcare provider if you have any of these Salmonella symptoms:
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- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration
For more information about Salmonella or this outbreak, including fact sheets, go to the CDC’s website: Salmonella Outbreak. Additionally, you can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 with questions.
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NMDOH
David Barre, Communications Coordinator | david.barre@doh.nm.gov | (505) 699-9237