ThisSalmonellacontamination was caught by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during a test at a distribution center.
Outbreaks with cantaloupes have been happening since the 1980s, Diez-Gonzalez told Verywell.
A rare Listeria outbreak in 2011 that resulted in 33 deaths was also linked to whole cantaloupes.
Claudia Totir / Getty Images
But when outbreaks involveSalmonella, investigators can’t always pinpoint a single contamination point.
Most people recover within a few days, but some severe infections lead to hospitalizations or deaths.
Why Are Cantaloupes Prone to Salmonella Contamination?
How Should You Wash and Prepare Cantaloupes?
The FDA recommends washing cantaloupes under running water and scrubbing the fruit with a clean vegetable brush.
“All fresh fruits and vegetables are inherently riskier than products that you might cook,” Diez-Gonzalez said.
To reduce your risk of infection, the FDA recommends buying cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged.
If you have any severe symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider for the best course of treatment.
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