A new salmonella outbreak in the U.S. is being linked to cut-up melons.
Federal health officials said over the weekend that 60 people have been infected in eight different states after eating pre-cut watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and fruit salads. Half of those falling ill have been hospitalized, which is disturbing to officials since the hospitalization rate for this type of incident is only 20-percent.
The fruits carrying the salmonella are from a Caito Foods facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are being sold at Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger and a few other stores. Caito Foods is recalling plastic containers of melons in Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri and Michigan.
The outbreak has also triggered lawsuits by some of the victims, who demand better safety checks on food sold in stores.
Source: Detroit Free Press