FDA expands cantaloupe recall after salmonella infections double in a week

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly expanded its recall of cantaloupes following a surge in salmonella infections. The recall, which initially included specific brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes, has been broadened due to the rapid increase in reported cases of illness. The affected brands initially were Malichita whole cantaloupes, Vinyard pre-cut cantaloupes, and ALDI's whole and pre-cut fruit products.

As the number of salmonella cases more than doubled over the week, the FDA added additional brands to the recall list. This includes Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and pre-cut cantaloupes under the Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brands. The expansion of the recall highlights the seriousness of the outbreak and the FDA's commitment to public health and safety.

Health officials are urging consumers who have purchased any of the recalled cantaloupes to immediately dispose of them. They also emphasize the importance of cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated fruits. This measure is crucial to prevent further spread of the salmonella bacteria and to ensure public safety.