Outbreaks Linked to Melons, United States, 2012-2021

Area of Science:

• Foodborne illness epidemiology
• Public health surveillance
• Food safety interventions

Background:

• Melons are frequently identified as a source of foodborne illness outbreaks.
• Understanding the epidemiology of melon-associated outbreaks is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize melon-associated foodborne illness outbreaks from 2012 to 2021.
• To summarize public health responses and identify prevention opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS).
• Incorporated data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network.
• Conducted descriptive statistical analysis of outbreak data, including demographics, etiology, and geographic factors.

Main Results:

• Eighteen melon-associated outbreaks occurred between 2012 and 2021, causing 821 illnesses, 251 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths.
• Cantaloupe was linked to over half of Salmonella outbreaks during this period.
• Contamination was found to occur at multiple points in the supply chain, from farm to consumer.

Conclusions:

• Melon-associated outbreaks pose a significant public health burden.
• Comprehensive pathogen control strategies are needed across the entire food production continuum.
• Targeted interventions may be necessary for specific melon types and regions.