The J. Food Protec. 8 May 2025 published an article on 18 outbreaks linked to melons in the US between 2012 and 2021. Outbreak investigations continue to identify melons as an important source of outbreak-associated illness. The article characterized the epidemiology of outbreaks, summarized public health responses, and identified potential opportunities for prevention efforts and interventions. During 2012–2021, 18 outbreaks were linked to melons. The median number of outbreaks per year was 2 (range: 0–3); no melon-associated outbreaks were reported in 2015. These 18 outbreaks resulted in 821 illnesses, 251 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths. Outbreak illnesses clustered in the US Midwest and in outbreaks where the growing area was known, most were produced domestically (4/7, 57%), and were frequently grown in Indiana. Traceback and epidemiologic investigations demonstrated that contamination can occur at all points along the farm-to-fork continuum, requiring pathogen control at every step. Pre-cutting melons introduces an opportunity for cross-contamination. Contamination can occur at all points along the farm-to-fork continuum. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X25000882
