Sofia Produce, LLC, operating as “Trufresh,” has issued a recall for all sizes of its fresh cantaloupes branded with the “Malichita” label, citing potential salmonella contamination. This announcement, posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, comes after a similar recall by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for cantaloupes with the same label due to possible salmonella risks.
The affected cantaloupes were distributed between October 16 and 23, 2023, in several U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Florida. These cantaloupes were available in retail produce markets, packaged in cardboard containers bearing the “Malichita” label.
In Canada, the recalled cantaloupes were distributed in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and potentially other provinces and territories. Salmonella, a harmful organism, can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the recalled cantaloupes. Each recalled cantaloupe carries a PLU sticker with the word “Malichita” on top and the number 4050 on the bottom, along with “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique.”
Trufresh has urged consumers to check for the recalled products and advised against consuming, serving, using, selling, or distributing them. Those who have purchased the recalled cantaloupes can either discard them or return them to the purchase location. Consumers experiencing health issues should contact a healthcare provider.
For more information, customers can contact Trufresh representative Rafael Roiz at 520-394-7370, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT.