Ayco Farms Cantaloupe Recalled for Salmonella: What You Need to Know

Why Were Ayco Farms Cantaloupes Recalled?

According to the FDA enforcement report, Ayco Farms initiated a voluntary recall after testing indicated that the cantaloupes may be contaminated with Salmonella. The initial recall was classified at a lower risk level, but the FDA upgraded it to Class I on April 20, 2026, after further review determined the contamination posed a serious threat to public health. Cantaloupe has a history of dangerous foodborne illness outbreaks. The rough, netted rind of a cantaloupe can harbor bacteria that gets transferred to the edible flesh when the melon is cut. Unlike smooth-skinned fruits, cantaloupes are difficult to wash thoroughly, making contamination harder to remove. In 2023, a major cantaloupe Salmonella outbreak linked to several brands sickened hundreds of people across the U.S. and Canada, including multiple deaths. The 2024 Eagle Produce LLC cantaloupe recall further underscored the ongoing risk with this fruit.

Which Products Are Affected?

• Product: Whole cantaloupes wrapped in plastic bags
• Quantity: 8,302 cartons (6 to 12 melons per box)
• Brand: Ayco Farms
• Sold between: December 12, 2025, and January 16, 2026
• Distributed to: California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania
• Lot numbers include: GC26257, GC26270, GC26288, GC26289, GC26290

While the fruit is no longer available for purchase in stores, some consumers may have frozen cantaloupe for smoothies or other uses — meaning contaminated product could still be in your freezer months later.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone who consumed the affected cantaloupes could be at risk for Salmonella infection, but certain groups face greater danger:

• Children under 5 — More vulnerable to severe dehydration
• Adults 65 and older — Higher risk of hospitalization
• Pregnant women — Salmonella can cause serious complications
• Immunocompromised individuals

Ayco Farms stated that all product and environmental samples tested negative for Salmonella Newport and that the company received zero illness complaints. However, the FDA's Class I upgrade indicates regulators believe the risk is serious.

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella?

Salmonella symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and can include:

• Diarrhea (which may last several days)
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

In rare cases, Salmonella can cause reactive arthritis — pain in the joints that can last for months or years and potentially become chronic. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical attention right away.

What Should You Do Right Now?

• Check your freezer for any whole cantaloupes purchased between December 12, 2025, and January 16, 2026.
• Do not eat the cantaloupe, even if it looks and smells normal.
• Throw it away immediately. Do not attempt to wash or cook the fruit.
• Watch for symptoms if you recently consumed cantaloupe from this recall.
• Contact your doctor if you develop diarrhea.

Why Recalls are Harder to Track

One of the biggest challenges with produce recalls is that many consumers freeze fresh fruit for later use. A cantaloupe you bought in December could still be sitting in your freezer in May — long after the recall was announced and long after the news cycle has moved on. EatSure solves this problem. Upload your grocery receipts and EatSure will track every item you've purchased against active recalls — even months later. You'll get an instant alert if something you bought is affected, no matter when you purchased it.

Check if your groceries have been recalled — download EatSure now