Florida-based Ayco Farms first issued the recall alert last month for 8,300 cartons of whole cantaloupes wrapped in food-safe plastic, with each box containing between six and 12 melons. The cantaloupes were sold at grocery stores in California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania between December 12 and January 16, and have a shelf life of around 30 days. None of the recalled cantaloupes are believed to still be on store shelves, and none were sold abroad or to government agencies.
Ayco Farms sent a formal notification to customers on March 24 in line with standard procedures. No illnesses or deaths have been reported linked to this recall. In previous cases, health officials have urged people not to consume recalled melons and to throw them out immediately, and to disinfect any surfaces they contacted. Anyone who believes they were sickened by the cantaloupes is encouraged to contact their doctor or local health officials.
It remains unclear what specific test or inspection triggered the recall, though it may be linked to findings that revealed the potential presence of salmonella. The reason for the upgrade to Class I and what new information prompted this change have not been disclosed. The current status of the investigation into the potential contamination source and whether there are ongoing inspections on other Ayco Farms products are also unknown.