2023 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Associated with Malichita Cantaloupe

In November 2023, CDC announced an investigation of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections associated with cantaloupes. Most of the outbreak associated cases were diagnosed with Salmonella Sundsvall. On November 28, 2023, the CDC added a second strain, Salmonella Oranienburg, to the outbreak investigation after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found this strain in a sample of Malichita brand cantaloupes.

The outbreak was declared over on January 19, 2024. A total of 407 people infected with the outbreak strain were reported from 44 states. Of 362 people with information available, 158 (44%) were hospitalized. Six deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023 to December 25, 2023.

Fifty-two people resided at long-term care facilities when they got sick. Among 24 of these people interviewed, 12 reported eating cantaloupe. Forty-four children attended childcare centers when they got sick. Of 34 children with information available, 19 ate cantaloupe.

Analysis of bacteria from 300 people's samples did not predict resistance to any antibiotics.

On November 8, Trufresh recalled Malichita brand whole cantaloupes that were sold to US businesses between October 16 and October 23. On November 15, Trufresh expanded the recall. Additional products containing Malichita brand cantaloupes were recalled on November 14 by Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company and ALDI. On November 22 more companies issued recalls including Stop & Shop.

Canadian public health authorities reported a concurrent outbreak associated with Malichita brand cantaloupes. The strain that caused illnesses in Canada was the same strain as the US illnesses.

Tags:

fruit, cantaloupe, melon, Malichita

Overview

Outbreak began:	October 2023
Affected country:	US
States/territories:	AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Pathogen:	Salmonella Sundsvall, Salmonella Oranienburg
Vehicle(s):	cantaloupe
Location(s):	Retail, Child Care Center, Residential Care Facility
Brand name(s):	Malichita, ALDI, TruFresh, Vineyard Fruit and Vegetable Company, CF Dallas, Crown Jewels, Pacific Trellis, RaceTrac, Stop & Shop, Kwik Trip, Bix Produce, GHGA, Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market,, Cut Fruit Express, Trader Joe's, TGD
Molecular test results:	Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:	407
Number hospitalized:	158
Number of deaths:	6

Sources & documents

Recall notices	View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (corporate.aldi.us) View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (fda.gov) View recall notice (globenewswire.com)
Report / reference links	View report (cdc.gov) View report (fda.gov) View report (canada.ca)
Outbreak documents	2023 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall Linked to Cantaloupe CDC Nov 17 2023 2023 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall FDA Announcement Nov 17 2023 2023 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall Linked to Cantaloupe CDC Update Nov 24 2023 2023 Outbreak of Salmonellosis Linked to Malichita Cantaloupes CDC Update Nov 30 2023 2023 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonellosis Associated with Cantaloupes CDC Update 12 15 2023 2023 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonellosis Linked to Cantaloupe CDC Final Update Jan 19 2024