Cantaloupe crisis: The hidden Salmonella threat to travellers
All-inclusive offers provide a convenient way to enjoy a holiday abroad. You don't need to worry about shopping, and there's no extra expense for dining at restaurants. In hotels around the world, a continental breakfast is typically served buffet style and is available to guests for several hours in the morning. Unfortunately, this format encourages the growth of Salmonella bacteria, particularly in relation to one popular fruit.
In 2023, a significant Salmonella outbreak occurred in the United States. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), an American government agency responsible for detecting, monitoring, and combating infectious diseases, reported 407 cases in 44 states caused by Salmonella from September 2023 to December 2023. As a result of the infection, 158 people were hospitalised, and six people died (source: Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cantaloupes (November 2023), www.fda.gov).
in nearly half the cases, the culprit was the juicy melon
An analysis of infections associated with melons reveals that from 1954 to 2023, these fruits were responsible for 43 out of 60 Salmonella outbreaks in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Cantaloupe melons caused approximately 26 infection outbreaks, which amounts to about 43% of all outbreaks.
Cantaloupes may become contaminated at any time during the production process. This includes growth (preharvest), postharvest handling and packing, transport and retail, and during final food preparation. In addition, contamination can occur via multiple pathways, such as direct contact of the pathogen with the melon exterior, transfer to the inner flesh of the fruit, or as a result of postharvest cross-contamination (e.g. cutting of the fruit) (source: sciencedirect.com).
This sweet and juicy fruit, which is often featured on hotel breakfast buffets, creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Bacteria are transferred to the flesh during the cutting and peeling of the melon skin, and room temperature further encourages their multiplication.
What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?
One thing is sure: Salmonella bacteria can effectively ruin a holiday. The illness manifests 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, with abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and high fever occurring. Such symptoms usually subside after four to seven days, but in some cases, medical intervention is necessary.
Those most at risk are children under five years of age, the elderly, and pregnant women. In these scenarios, the disease can have much more severe symptoms, and complications such as dehydration, sepsis, or extraintestinal infections are possible.
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