FDA expands cantaloupe recall after salmonella infections double in a week

U.S. health officials recalled three more brands of whole and pre-cut melons on Friday as the number of people sickened by salmonella more than doubled this week.

Nearly 100 people in 32 states have become ill from the contaminated fruit. Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio have the highest number of cases. Two people in Minnesota have died from the infections and 45 people are hospitalized across the country.

The original U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall included Malichita brand whole melons, Vinyard brand pre-cut melons, and ALDI whole melons and pre-cut fruit products. Whole melons from the Rudy brand and pre-cut melons from the Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brands were added to the list on Friday.

Health officials say anyone who purchased the recalled fruits should throw them away and wash any surfaces that came into contact with them with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hours to six days of consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people over 65 years of age, and people with weakened immune systems, can develop serious illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.

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AP Health writer JoNel Aleccia contributed to this report.

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