Minnesota company recalls fresh cantaloupe because of possible link to outbreak

Bix Produce of Little Canada, MN., is issuing a voluntary recall of Grab N’ Go containers of cut cantaloupe and mixed fruit cups due to the potential for Salmonella contamination in the products. These cantaloupe products were derived from cantaloupes that were involved in the recent Malachite cantaloupe recall.

• Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled cantaloupe or recalled products containing cantaloupe.
• Consumers with frozen or cantaloupe products for later use should check their freezers and discard any recalled products.
• Do not eat or use it if you cannot tell if your cantaloupe is part of the recall. Throw it away.

The affected cantaloupe products were distributed from October 19th through October 20th, 2023, and sold in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin at convenience stores, delis, and business cafes. These products are beyond their usable shelf-life and are no longer expected to be in commerce.

BRAND	ITEM DESCRIPTION	Item Number	PACK / SIZE	LOT CODE
Created Fresh!	CANTALOUPE FRUIT CUP GRAB N’ GO	19703	5.75 OZ EACH	SELL BY DATES OF 10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023
Created Fresh!	MIXED FRUIT CUP GRAB N’ GO	19721	5.75 OZ EACH	SELL BY DATES OF 10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023
Jack & Olive	MIXED FRUIT CUP J&O	23355	5.75 OZ EACH	SELL BY DATES OF 10/25/2023 AND 10/26/2023

The recall was initiated after a supplier notified Bix Produce that they had delivered recalled Malachita cantaloupes to Bix Produce and that those had been processed and distributed by Bix Produce.

There are ongoing outbreaks in the United States and Canada traced to Malachita brand cantaloupe imported from Mexico. In the United States, there are 99 confirmed patients, with 45 of them having been admitted to hospitals. Two people have died. 

Customers who have any questions about the recall may call 651-487-8000.

About Salmonella infections

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any cantaloupe and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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