Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak: Key Facts and Lawsuit Filed

A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cantaloupes has sickened hundreds of people in the U.S. and Canada, resulting in at least 10 deaths. Health officials are advising consumers, retailers, and restaurants to avoid purchasing or consuming cantaloupes if the source is unknown, particularly for high-risk individuals such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The outbreak began in mid-October, and the cantaloupes in question were imported from Mexico. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of contamination, but factors such as poor hygiene practices, pests, and equipment sanitation issues may contribute. Consumers are advised to rinse and scrub whole melons thoroughly or consider alternative methods to reduce bacterial contamination.