TRENTON, NJ – Sofia Produce, LLC, operating as “Trufresh,” has expanded its recall of fresh cantaloupes under the “Malichita” label, due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall now includes additional sales order numbers distributed between October 16 and October 23, 2023. The affected order numbers are 128663, 128712, 128713, 128662, 128680, 225252, 225231, 419719, 419721, 419828, 419803, 612235, and 612273.
Those products were confirmed to have been sold at several New Jersey supermarkets including Aldi.
Salmonella poses a significant health risk, especially to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious illnesses like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
The recalled cantaloupes were distributed in several U.S. states including Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Florida, as well as Canada. They reached consumers through retail produce markets, potentially extending beyond the states listed.
The cantaloupes are identifiable by cardboard containers bearing the “Malichita” label and a PLU sticker on each fruit. The sticker’s top half is white with “Malichita” written in black script, while the bottom half is black, displaying the number “4050” and the words “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”.
As of the announcement date, no illnesses have been reported in relation to this issue. The recall follows a notice from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Trufresh is conducting the recall to prevent any potential health risks associated with these products.