Pre-cut melons recalled in Pennsylvania and 15 other states for salmonella

Pennsylvania is one of 16 states affected by a recall from Caito Foods LLC of its pre-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and pre-cut fruit medley products that contain melons.

The Indianapolis company voluntarily recalled the food because of possible salmonella contamination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration announced Friday. More than 90 related salmonella cases have been reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Twenty-three people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

The fruit also was distributed in Pennsylvania, New York, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

The pre-cut melons were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers. Retailers affected include Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart and Trader Joe’s. The CDC recommends that you throw out the product and wash the inside of your refrigerator with soap and water.

Caito Food and SpartanNash Co. also supply independent retailers, so it is important to look at the label description and brand information to identify the product.

The full list is on the FDA website.

Salmonella is to blame for 1 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States every year, according to the CDC. Symptoms — diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps — usually appear 12 to 72 hours after a person eats a contaminated product and can last four to seven days. While most people recover on their own, some can experience severe diarrhea that may require hospitalization.

Consumers seeking information may call 844-467-7278.