FDA Elevates Cantaloupe Recall Over Salmonella Concerns

Federal health officials are warning consumers about a recent cantaloupe recall after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration upgraded the alert to its most serious classification over possible salmonella contamination.

The recall involves more than 8,300 cartons of whole cantaloupes distributed by Ayco Farms Inc. The fruit was shipped to retailers in California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania between December 2025 and January 2026. The FDA recently classified the recall as a Class I recall, meaning there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause serious health problems or death.

Officials say the recalled cantaloupes were sold whole, wrapped in food-safe plastic, and packed in cartons containing between six and twelve melons. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers are urged to throw away any recalled fruit and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with it.

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are considered most at risk for severe illness.

Ayco Farms has stated that the recall was precautionary and says no affected product should still be in stores because the fruit has already passed its shelf life. The company also said follow-up testing did not detect salmonella in product or environmental samples.

Consumers with questions are encouraged to contact the store where the cantaloupe was purchased or check the FDA recall database for affected lot numbers.