Fearing a ‘deadly infection’, a company recalled hundreds of melons across the US, and urged people not to consume them

United States: A business has recalled hundreds of melons throughout the United States due to possible salmonella contamination.

Consumers are being advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) not to eat the items mentioned below, which were delivered in Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia from August 13 to August 17.

Eagle Produce LLC, situated in Scottsdale, Arizona, has recalled 224 cartons of whole cantaloupe under the brand name Kandy and UPC code 4050, according to the FDA. This action was taken after regular sample testing by the State of Michigan revealed that goods in the same batch had salmonella.

Salmonella belongs to a class of food-borne bacteria that may cause illnesses of varying intensities. There are many ways to become infected, such as contacting diseased animals or consuming tainted food or water.

There may be a greater chance of salmonella infection in the following foods:

Undercooked or raw fowl and beef.

Undercooked or uncooked eggs.

Raw milk and other dairy products without pasteurization.

Uncooked fruits and vegetables.

A salmonella infection often causes fever, cramping in the abdomen, and diarrhea that lasts for four to seven days. While the majority of individuals heal on their own, certain people—particularly small children, those with compromised immune systems, and those over 65—may develop more serious illnesses that need medical attention or hospitalization.

It might be fatal if the infection spreads outside of the intestines in extreme situations.

“Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the FDA stated in a statement.

Salmonella is a significant cause of illness in the United States, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that the bacterium causes around 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually. According to the CDC, there are probably at least 30 more instances of salmonella infection that go unreported for every verified case, suggesting that there are probably much more occurrences of the illness in the United States.

But no illnesses linked to the recalled cantaloupe have been documented.

It’s critical to maintain proper food hygiene practices to prevent salmonella contamination:

Hands should be cleaned both before and after handling raw meat and poultry.

Raw meat and poultry should be kept apart from other food items in the refrigerator.

Set aside a different chopping board for fruit and meat.

Cook meals all the way through, and then quickly put any leftovers in the refrigerator.