A salmonella outbreak has again been reported in the United States, this time linked to a summer treat: fresh cut melon. At least 60 people have been infected with a strain of salmonella that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe is related to a food processing facility in Indiana.
Can you get Salmonella from watermelon?
Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Pre-Cut Melons. This outbreak appears to be over. CDC recommends that consumers, restaurants, and retailers choose and handle fruit safely to help prevent foodborne illness. Wash hands and food preparation surfaces before and after handling fruit.
Can you get poisoning from watermelon?
Melons and food poisoning
Eating melons that have been contaminated with harmful bacteria can make you sick. Contaminated melons have been linked to cases of food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria.
Can you get e coli from watermelon?
We observed a low prevalence of natural E. coli on the surfaces of the watermelon fruits (S1 Appendix). Out of 25 watermelons, 10 were positive for E. coli with five upper half and six lower half positive samples.
What fruits can give you Salmonella?
Some recent Salmonella outbreaks that sickened people in many states were linked to chicken, ground turkey, ground beef, raw tuna, mushrooms, onions, peaches, papayas, cut fruits, cashew brie, and tahini.
Can you get bacterial infection from watermelon?
Bacterial fruit blotch has been reported to infect cantaloupe and tomato, but the preferred host is watermelon.
Why does my stomach hurt after eating watermelon?
But here’s the bad news: Watermelon can also bring on big-time bloating. That’s because it’s packed with fructose, a natural sugar that is tough on our GI system because it’s hard for it to be completely absorbed. That causes gas, and sometimes an upset stomach in some people.
How common is food poisoning from watermelon?
Between 1973 and 2011, there were 34 reported outbreaks of food poisoning associated with melons in the US. This resulted in 3,602 reported cases of illness, 322 hospitalizations and 46 deaths. Cantaloupes accounted for 56% of the outbreaks, watermelons accounted for 38% and honeydew melons accounted for 6% ( 36 ).
When should you not eat watermelon?
It is recommended to not consume watermelons at night right before going to bed. “I would not recommend consumption of watermelon or any fruit after 7 pm. Watermelon is slightly acidic and if consumed at night, it may delay the process of digestion when the body is inactive.
Why does watermelon make me sick?
May Cause Diarrhoea And Other Digestive Problems
The fruit contains sorbitol that is a sugar compound, which is known to encourage loose stools and gas issues. Another common cause of such issues is the lycopene content, which is a pigmented antioxidant that gives the watermelon its bright colour.
How quickly does Salmonella affect you?
Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks.
What does Salmonella poop look like?
If you have a salmonella infection, your diarrhea typically will have a strong odor. Sometimes you may also have blood in the stool. The illness often lasts for just a few days. Children younger than 3 months may have the infection for a longer period of time.
How long does Salmonella take to make you sick?
Symptoms of Salmonella usually appear within six hours to six days after eating food (or touching an animal) contaminated with the bacteria and include. Nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea are all hallmark symptoms.
What bacteria grows on watermelon?
coli O157:H7 and Listeria can find their way into many crops, Salmonella seems to be the bacterial pathogen of greatest concern with melons. Salmonellosis can be a severe illness and the infection leads to complications with reactive arthritis and other chronic diseases in about 15 percent of cases.
Can old watermelon make you sick?
The Risk of Consuming Expired Watermelon
Consuming spoiled watermelon can quickly lead to food poisoning. The first signs that something is wrong will appear within a few hours and include: Fatigue and headache. Nausea and vomiting.
What should not be eaten with watermelon?
Avoid mixing your watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe and honeydews with other fruits. Try not to mix acidic fruits, such as grapefruits and strawberries, or sub-acidic foods such as apples, pomegranates and peaches, with sweet fruits, such as bananas and raisins for a better digestion.
What is the side effect of watermelon?
Watermelon is a splendid source of dietary fiber and water. But, if you eat too much watermelon, it can cause bloating, gas, flatulence, diarrhea, and other such stomach troubles. This is majorly due to the presence of sorbitol, which is a sugar compound, and lycopene, which gives the fruit its bright red color.
Can watermelon go bad in the fridge?
A whole watermelon keeps for about a week at room temperature and up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Cut watermelon lasts between 3 and 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container, so it doesn’t dry out. Like other fruits, watermelon doesn’t last that long.
Is watermelon safe to eat?
Watermelon is around 90% water and also provides electrolytes, such as potassium. This makes it a healthful choice of snack during the hot summer months. People can eat watermelon fresh, as juice, or frozen in slices for a tasty cold Popsicle-style snack. Water is essential for health.
What kills Salmonella in the body?
Antibiotics. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. These are usually given if your provider suspects that salmonella bacteria have entered your bloodstream, your infection is severe or you have a weakened immune system.
What are 4 symptoms of Salmonella?
Possible signs and symptoms of salmonella infection include:
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach (abdominal) cramps.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Chills.
- Headache.
- Blood in the stool.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.