Salmonella alert: Cantaloupes linked to deadly outbreak
All-inclusive offers provide a convenient way to spend a vacation abroad. You don't have to worry about shopping, and there's no need to pay extra money in restaurants. In hotels worldwide, continental breakfasts are served buffet style and are available to guests for several morning hours. Unfortunately, this setup can promote the growth of Salmonella bacteria, notably in one popular fruit.
In 2023, a serious Salmonella outbreak occurred in the United States. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), an American government agency responsible for detecting, monitoring, and combating infectious diseases, recorded 407 cases across 44 states from September 2023 to December 2024. As a result of the infection, 158 people were hospitalized, and 6 people died (source: Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cantaloupes (November 2023), www.fda.gov).
In nearly half the cases, the culprit was the juicy melon
An analysis of infections linked to melons shows that from 1954 to 2023, these fruits were responsible for 43 out of 60 Salmonella outbreaks in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Among them, cantaloupe melons caused about 26 outbreaks, making up roughly 43% of all outbreaks.
Cantaloupes may become contaminated at any time during the production process. This includes growth (preharvest), postharvest handling and packing, transport and retail, and during final food preparation. In addition, contamination can occur via multiple pathways, such as direct contact of the pathogen with the melon exterior, transfer to the inner flesh of the fruit, or as a result of postharvest cross-contamination (e.g. cutting of the fruit) (source: sciencedirect.com).
This sweet and juicy fruit, which often appears on breakfast buffets in hotels, creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth. When the melon skin is cut and peeled, bacteria can transfer to the flesh, and room temperature further encourages their multiplication.
What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?
One thing is certain: Salmonella bacteria can effectively ruin a vacation. The illness typically manifests 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, with symptoms including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and high fever. These symptoms usually subside within 4-7 days, but in some cases, medical intervention is necessary.
The most at risk are children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and pregnant women. In these cases, the disease can present more severe symptoms, with possible complications like dehydration, sepsis, or extraintestinal infections.
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