The CDC’s new tag line for outbreaks – “When in doubt, throw it out” – is probably giving headaches to marketing directors for the Mangoes, Cantaloupes, and possibly Watermelon, industries. It is also likely saving consumers for getting sick and keeping the industries from a few more lawsuits as well.

Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky hardest hit in cantaloupe, and perhaps watermelon, outbreak.

As of last week, the CDC reported a total of 270 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Typhimurium (240 persons) have been reported from Alabama (16), Arkansas (6), California (2), Florida (1), Georgia (9), Iowa (10), Illinois (26), Indiana (24), Kentucky (70), Massachusetts (2), Maryland (1), Michigan (6), Minnesota (5), Missouri (15), Mississippi (7), Montana (1), New Jersey (2), North Carolina (7), Ohio (6), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (5), Tennessee (8), Texas (2), and Wisconsin (6) and Salmonella Newport (30 persons) from Illinois (8), Indiana (9), Michigan (1), Missouri (6), Ohio (3), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (2). 101 ill persons have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported in Kentucky.

Investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that cantaloupe originating from Chamberlain Farms Produce, Inc. of Owensville, Indiana is a source of this outbreak. In addition, Indiana state health officials reported that Salmonella Newport was also found on watermelon (no report yet if the Cantaloupe Newport and Watermelon Newport are indistinguishable or not). As of today, no Salmonella Newport illnesses have been linked to watermelon consumption, but at least one grocery store chain (Schnuck’s) has recalled Chamberlain watermelon.

California hardest hit in mango outbreak.

As of last week, the CDC reported a total of 121 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from California (93), Delaware (1), Hawaii (4), Idaho (1), Illinois (2), Maine (1), Michigan (1), Montana (1), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (1), New York (3), Oregon (1), Texas (2), Washington (8), and Wisconsin (1). 25 ill persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that mangoes are a likely source of this outbreak. On August 29, Splendid Products of Burlingame, California issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of Daniella brand mangoes because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. On September 13, FDA placed Agricola Daniella on Import Alert. This means that Agricola Daniella mangoes will be denied admission into the United States unless the importer shows they are not contaminated with Salmonella, such as by using private laboratories to test the mangoes.

Perhaps the marketing directors for the Mangoes, Cantaloupes, and possibly Watermelon, industries need a new tag line?

Updates on both outbreaks expected this week along with increased number of ill.