Fresh cantaloupes are being recalled in at least 10 states including New Jersey due to possible salmonella contamination.
The FDA said the cantaloupes were distributed by Sofia Produce, which does business under the name Trufresh, between Oct. 16-23 and have a "Malachita" label. It's not clear how many cases of cantaloupe are affected.
The melons were sold in Canada and ten states: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. The FDA warned that the recalled fruit might have also appeared in markets outside of those states.
The cantaloupes have an individual PLU sticker, the top half which is white with the word "Malichita" written in script in black letters. The bottom of the sticker is black and has the number "4050" prominently displayed in white letters together with the words "Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique."
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The FDA said there have been no reported illnesses associated with the recalled cantaloupes.
The recall was initiated after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced a similar recall of cantaloupes packaged with the same Malichita label and bearing the same PLU due to possible salmonella contamination.
Consumers should throw out the recalled cantaloupes or return them to the store for a refund. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled product are advised to contact their retailer.