Indianapolis-based Food Distributor, Caito Foods, Issues Voluntary Recall

Caito Foods, an Indianapolis-based food distributor, has issued a voluntary recall of the following products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Carrau: fresh cut watermelon, fresh cut honeydew melon, fresh cut cantaloupe and fresh cut mixed fruit containing one of these melons. According to the FDA, Salmonella carrau is an organism that can cause serious and even fatal infections for those most at risk, including “young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. “The potentially contaminated melon products are believed to have been distributed in at least sixteen states, including: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Thus far, the CDC and FDA have linked 93 illnesses to this outbreak. Consumers are advised to check the FDA website for a full list of the recalled products, as it is possible that recalled products could still be on store shelves and in consumer homes. The full list of recalled products can be accessed here. The products potentially exposed to the bacteria were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and should be considered unsafe for consumption. Take a photo of the packaging and any labels, and keep any receipts of your purchase of these products if you believe you or your family may have consumed recalled product.

Salmonella Bacteria Contamination in Melon Products

Salmonella contamination can cause a serious illness called Salmonella poisoning, or Salmonellosis, which is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms usually present within 12 to 36 hours after exposure.

Symptoms of Salmonellosis include:

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody stools
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

In healthy individuals, Salmonellosis may resolve in a few days to a week, but for those at highest risk, the illness can be very dangerous and even fatal. Those affected should watch for complications, such as dehydration, bacteremia, and meningitis. Infection during pregnancy can result in passing the infection to the unborn infant, which can result in diarrhea, fever, or meningitis after birth.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation

If you or a family member became ill after eating a recalled melon product from Caito Foods, contact our legal team. Our skilled attorneys have experience handling cases of foodborne illness, and we are ready to help you hold food handlers, producers, and distributors accountable. Your medical bills and lost wages may warrant compensation, and we are here to help you get it.

Contact Wagner Reese today at (888) 204-8440 to learn more.