Eight confirmed Canadian cases of a rare serotype of Salmonella (known as Salmonella Soahanina or Salmonella Sundsvall) have been linked to Malichita brand cantaloupes, according to the British Columbia Center for Disease Control (BCCDC).
These cantaloupes, which were imported from Mexico, have been the subject of recalls in recent days in both the United States and Canada.
The eight cases were reported in the Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and Island Health regions of Canada’s westernmost province. Outbreak victims range from less than one year to 68 years of age.
Genetic sequencing of the Salmonella bacteria shows a link between some of the BC cases and the strain of Salmonella found in the recalled cantaloupes.
The BCCDC is collaborating with BC’s regional health authorities, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to continue to investigate the outbreak.
On November 14, 2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated an earlier recall notice to include all Malichita brand cantaloupes sold between October 11, 2023 and November 14, 2023, inclusive.
On November 9, 2023, SOFIA PRODUCE, LLC (dba Trufresh) of Nogales, Arizona, announced a recall of all sizes of fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the “Malichita” label, sold under the following sales order numbers between October 16, 2023 and October 23, 2023.
What consumers in Canada and the United States should know
Consumers are advised to discard and not consume Malichita cantaloupes that have been recalled. If you have whole or pre-cut cantaloupes in your home and are unsure of their origin, discard them as a precaution.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
If you feel unwell, and especially if you have symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, do not cook or prepare food for other people.
If you suspect you are suffering from a Salmonella infection, consult your healthcare provider.
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