Expanded Cantaloupe Recall: FDA Issues Urgent Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a cantaloupe recall initiated by Ayco Farms Inc. to a Class I recall on April 20th, due to potential salmonella contamination. The FDA warns that the fruit may still be present in consumers’ homes and pose a serious health risk.

Recall Details and Scope

This upgrade isn’t due to new findings of contaminated fruit on store shelves, but rather a concern that consumers may still have recalled cantaloupes, especially in freezers where the bacteria can survive for extended periods. The recall encompasses 8,302 cartons of cantaloupes distributed between December 12, 2025, and January 16, 2026.

Distribution Areas

The affected cantaloupes were sold in cardboard cartons containing six to twelve melons each, individually wrapped in food-safe bags. Distribution was limited to four states: California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Company Response and FDA Concerns

Ayco Farms maintains that the recall, detailed in the FDA’s enforcement report, is now considered complete, having been a voluntary action taken as a precautionary measure in coordination with the FDA. The company formally notified its customers on March 24, 2026, following standard FDA recall reporting procedures.

Despite the company’s assertion, the FDA’s Class I upgrade highlights the ongoing potential danger and emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness. This underscores the complexities of food safety and the need for vigilance even after an initial recall.

Past Recalls and Vulnerable Populations

This recall is not an isolated incident. In 2024, Eagle Produce LLC, based in Arizona, recalled 224 cases of Kandy-brand whole cantaloupes due to potential salmonella contamination. This history emphasizes the challenges in maintaining food safety standards throughout the supply chain.

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the Ayco Farms recall so far, the FDA stresses that young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the potentially deadly effects of salmonella.

Consumer Advisory

The FDA strongly advises consumers who may have purchased the recalled cantaloupes to discard them immediately. Do not attempt to wash or sanitize the cantaloupes, as these methods are unlikely to eliminate the salmonella bacteria effectively. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and provide updates on its website.