How Does Salmonella Get Into Cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe is particularly susceptible to contamination because it grows on the ground, where it can come into contact with bacteria from animal feces harbored in soil or rainwater runoff. However, like any fruit or vegetable, it can also pick up pathogens during harvest, handling or preparation.

How does salmonella get into melons?

“If you’re cutting a melon, dirt or bacteria or other germs from the rind can be transferred to the knives, prep surfaces, or to the inside of the fruit.”

How does fruit get contaminated with salmonella?

Contaminated water may be sprayed onto the fruit. Fruits that grow close to the ground may come in contact with infected manure used as fertilizer. Failure to sterilize surfaces and utensils can spread the bacteria from other foods to the fruit.

How does Listeria get into cantaloupe?

Listeria is a bacteria commonly found in water and soil. Officials speculate that the cantaloupes were contaminated by irrigation water or a heavy rainstorm. The cantaloupe’s textured skin can trap and hold bacteria it picks up during growing, harvesting, packing, storage, transport, and distribution.

What makes cantaloupe even more susceptible to bacteria?

Cantaloupe is at greater risk of contamination because of its unique netted rind. The spaces between the netting can trap bacteria and make them harder to remove.

Do you wash cantaloupe before cutting?

Many of the illnesses have been associated with cantaloupe consumption. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting melons. Before cutting, wash the outer surface of the melon thoroughly with cool tap water to remove surface dirt; scrub with a clean produce brush.

Can I get food poisoning from cantaloupe?

Fruits grown on the ground such as cantaloupe (rockmelon), watermelon and honeydew melon have a high risk of causing food poisoning due to Listeria bacteria, which can grow on the rind and spread to the flesh ( 35 ).

Is Salmonella airborne in fridge?

“It’s not an airborne kind of transmission, like COVID-19.

How do veggies get contaminated with salmonella?

Most Salmonella outbreaks are linked to contamination from post-harvest handling and transportation but the bacterium can enter the plant earlier from contaminated soil. Salmonella can reach the soil from manure containing animal feces or contaminated irrigation water.

Can you wash Salmonella off vegetables?

Rinsing tainted fruits and vegetables probably won’t get rid of salmonella, according to the FDA. In general, it’s important to handle foods safely. That generally means rinsing raw, whole fruits and vegetables under running water and, if you choose, scrubbing them with a small vegetable brush to remove surface dirt.

Does washing cantaloupe prevent Listeria?

Colorado health officials warned people especially vulnerable to listeriosis, a bacterial infection marked by fever and muscle aches, to avoid the suspected melons: Although washing and drying produce is a good practice, it does not reduce the chance of listeriosis for those who are at high risk.

How do you prevent Listeria in cantaloupe?

To help prevent infection, the CDC recommends you do the following:

1. Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
2. Scrub farm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
3. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel.

How do you disinfect cantaloupe?

1. Using a clean vegetable brush, scrub cantaloupe rind under running water, then rinse under running water.
2. Immerse the whole cantaloupe in a sanitizing solution made by mixing ½ teaspoon of regular, unscented laundry bleach for each gallon of water for 2 minutes.
3. Dispose of sanitizing solution.

What bacteria is found in cantaloupe?

Epidemiological and laboratory evidence in an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with cut cantaloupe suggested that contamination may occur not only by cutting through contaminated rinds but also by cutting with contaminated utensils [16].

Why does cantaloupe make my stomach hurt?

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. If you fall into that category, try trading watermelon for cantaloupe.

When should you not eat cantaloupe?

How To Tell If Cantaloupe Is Bad?

1. Feel light, hollow, or super soft. If the melon seems empty inside or the rind is soft, it’s lost most of its water and it’s no good.
2. Have large bruises or discolored areas.
3. Smell off.
4. Are cut up and sit in storage for too long or are moldy.

Should you refrigerate uncut cantaloupe?

Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Should cantaloupe be kept in the fridge?

Whole melons like watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes retain their flavor best at room temperature. Storing them at normal temperatures may even help keep their nutrients intact. Plus, they take up a lot of space in the fridge. Only once they’re cut should you refrigerate them, and only for a few days at most.

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 kills Salmonella in food?

Cook: Cook your food to a temperature ranging between 145 and 165 degrees F to kill bacteria, including Salmonella. The CDC advises against cooking or storing food in the danger zone between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, which will cause bacteria to multiply.

Can Salmonella get in through a cut?

Salmonella is found in meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and even vegetables. Humans contract salmonellosis by coming into contact with the Salmonella bacteria and ingesting it. It can also be contracted through open cuts. Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.