Before you as a reader tune out, let me hasten to point out that cantaloupe is only one example. Sadly, most of the following discussion could apply to any number of outbreaks for many different commodities and products. There is a steady stream of outbreaks and recalls. All stakeholders in the food industry should consider what can be learned, and look for ways to improve when new information becomes available.
With this preamble, we can return to the situation with cantaloupe. This discussion will examine several areas related to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) April 2023 investigation report1 and FDA's associated outbreak investigation: