Cantaloupe recall expanded by U.S. Food and Drug Administration; affects ALDI products, among others

FARGO (KFGO) – U.S. health officials have recalled three more brands of cantaloupes as the number of people sickened by salmonella more than doubled this week, including two people in Minnesota who have died.

Nearly 100 people in 32 states have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits and 45 of them are hospitalized. Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio have the highest number of cases.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. 

Additionally, Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list Friday.

Two weeks ago, Hornbacher’s stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area recalled Malichita brand cantaloupe.

Health officials say anyone who bought the recalled fruits should throw them away and wash surfaces that touched them with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hour to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria.

Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.

Story by Ryan Janke / KFGO