Beware of supermarket melon, the CDC is now warning. Right on the heels of the romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak, now consumers have to be cautious of the melons they buy, specifically pre-cut melon. While this grocery store option has been convenient for anyone who wanted to pick up fruit that was cut and ready to serve, now you might want to go for a full uncut melon and do the work instead.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the multi-state outbreak of salmonella linked to pre-cut melon in a June 8 press release. The culprit is pre-cut melons, including watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and fruit medley products that might be contaminated with salmonella.

Salmonella is a bacterial disease that contributes to 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the U.S. every year, with the CDC reporting that about one million of these annual cases can be linked back to contaminated food sources. Symptoms of salmonella are not pleasant and include fever, diarrhea, and severe abdominal cramps that can last up to a week.

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The recalled products were distributed to Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio for the following stores: Costco, Kroger, Payless, Owen’s, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart, and Whole Foods.

For this particular recall, according to the CDC site, the fruit producer is Caito Foods, LLC, based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. The website notes that “recalled products were sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers.”

Additionally, the site notes: “The FDA has a list of stores and states where recalled pre-cut melons and fruit salads were sold. The recalled products were sold at many different stores and carry many different labels.”

60 people in five states have reportedly been ill as a result of this recall, with more than half requiring hospitalization for more severe symptoms. No deaths have been reported. “Most of the ill people reported eating pre-cut cantaloupe, watermelon, or a fruit salad mix with melon purchased from grocery stores,” the CDC website explains.

The CDC further breaks down the cases of illnesses reported as follows: “Illnesses started on dates ranging from April 30, 2018, to May 28, 2018. Ill people range in age from less than 1 year to 97, with a median age of 67. Sixty-five percent are female… Illnesses that occurred after May 20, 2018, might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks.”

The CDC recall information advises the following: “Do not eat recalled products. Check your refrigerator and freezer for them and throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.” They also note that if you don’t remember where you purchased your pre-cut melon, it’s best to just throw it away and not take a chance on possibly getting sick.”

One commenter who viewed the news story covering the recall noted that you should always wash produce, recommending: “#1 rule is to always wash melons. There are some great natural organic sprays out there, too. When you cut an unwashed melon, bacteria is on the knife and carries it throughout the melon.”

Another commenter responded: “No need to buy a spray cleanser. Vinegar and water does the trick and is very inexpensive.”