Annalisa Hultberg, Extension Educator, food safety Cantaloupes and Salmonella bacteria are in the news, as a major foodborne illness outbreak and recall has been ongoing related to this crop. Here is what we know. What happened? As of January 19th, 407 people in 44 states (including 29 in Minnesota) were infected with one strain of Salmonella. 158 (44%) of these cases resulted in hospitalization. 64 people in Canada were also sickened, and 7 deaths were reported. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis showed that clinical isolates from ill people in Canada were genetically related to the ill people in the United States. FDA’s traceback investigation identified Sofia Produce of Nogales, AZ; Crown Jewels Produce of Fresno, CA; and Dulcinea of Fresno, CA as suppliers of the potentially contaminated “Malichita” or “Rudy” brand cantaloupes. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 15, 2023, to December 25, 2023. As of January 19th, the CDC and FDA ...