Fresno, California-based Jewel Marketing and Agribusiness LLC (dba Crown Jewels Produce) has recalled 1,960 boxes of whole cantaloupes under the Malichita / Z Farms label because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the FDA.
While healthy people infected with Salmonella may only experience short-lived symptoms like “fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,” the infection has been known to turn serious and sometimes fatal in those with weakened immune systems, including young children and elderly individuals. In rare situations, a Salmonella infection could cause the organism to enter the bloodstream, making people prone to more advanced illnesses that include “arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.”
Initiated by Crown Jewel Produce Company on November 22, 2023, the recall covers product that was distributed across Ohio and California via retail and wholesale partners. Affected product was packaged in boxes containing “wood-like” cardboard cartons bearing the “Malichita / Z Farms” label. Individual cantaloupes have PLU (price look-up) stickers labeled “Malichita.”
An unspecified number of illnesses have been reported across the United States and Canada during an ongoing Salmonella outbreak, In response, multiple other companies, including Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, have also recently recalled cantaloupe products.
Since the recall announcement, Crown Jewel Produce COmpany has suspended all sales and distribution of the product pending a joint investigation with the FDA.
Anyone with a “Malachita / Z Farms”-branded cantaloupe is asked to return the fruit to the place of purchase to receive a total refund.
Additional questions may be called to the attention of company representative Rod Sbragia at 1-520-281-2325, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
If you have suffered an adverse health outcome that can be traced to a Salmonella contamination in a consumer food product, we would like to help you fight for fair compensation. Our trusted attorneys at TruLaw work tirelessly to hold negligent parties responsible. To learn how we can support you in the legal process, connect with us online or try out our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠.