CDC: Pre-cut melon likely cause of Salmonella outbreak

June 9 (UPI) -- Tainted pre-cut melon has sickened least 60 people throughout the Midwest with Salmonella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

In a news release Friday, the CDC pinpointed pre-cut melon supplied by the Indianapolis-based Caito Foods, LLC, as the likely source. Caito Foods recalled fresh-cut watermelons, honeydews, melons, cantaloupes and fresh-cut fruit medleys on Friday. The CDC advises consumers to either throw the recalled products in the garbage or return to them to the place of purchase.

The illnesses have affected 60 people, 31 of whom have been hospitalized, in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio, the CDC said. The recalled products were delivered to stores in those states, as well as Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina.

No deaths have been reported, the CDC said. Illnesses began between April 30 and May 28 and affected people with a median age of 67.