Pre-cut melon sold at Whole Foods, Kroger and other stores in 9 states recalled; 93 people sick in salmonella outbreaks

Caito Foods LLC is a voluntary recall of pre-cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and fruit mediator products containing one of these melons due to the possibility of contamination of salmonella, the centers of disease control and prevention, and the food and drug administration announced Friday.

A total of 93 cases have been reported in the outbreak, from nine states: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Three thousand people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

"Caito Foods has temporarily suspended producing and distributing these products as the company and the FDA continue to investigate," the FDA noted in its announcement.

The products were packed in clear plastic clamshell containers and sold under various brands depending on where it was sold. Retailers include Amazon / Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart and Trader Joe. A full list of recalled products is available on the FDA website.

"Because the products may still be on store shelves, this recall extends to both retailers and consumers," the FDA announcement says. "Consumers should not consume the product and should immediately dispose of the remaining product."

The investigation is ongoing. Caito Foods does not respond immediately to calls for a declaration.

Salmonella is attributed to 1[ads1] million cases of food-borne disease in the United States each year, according to the CDC.

Symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after consuming the bacteria and can last for four to seven days. They include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, according to the CDC. Most people recover themselves. Patients experiencing severe diarrhea may require hospitalization. If severely ill patients are not treated, the disease may be fatal.