According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Malichita brand melons likely caused a salmonella outbreak in five provinces.
As of Wednesday, there were 26 confirmed cases in B.C., Ontario, Quebec, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Six people were hospitalized.
The agency says if people aren’t sure what brand of melon they have, they should throw it away.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued food recalls earlier this month, including whole melons, pre-cut melons and fruit peels that used the Malichita brand.
Some pre-cut pineapples, honeydew melons and watermelons that were processed along with Malichita melons were also recalled.
Canadian authorities are working with the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, where there have also been outbreaks of salmonella linked to melons.
Symptoms of a salmonella infection include fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and stomach cramps.
Most people recover within about a week, but young children, the elderly, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2023.
The Canadian Press Health Insurance is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
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