The Canadian Ministry of Health has warned Canadians against eating watermelon and urged them to prioritize food safety when handling cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew.

This watermelon, which is part of the gourd family, grows close to the ground and has a hard rind surrounding its fleshy interior.

Although watermelon does not naturally contain harmful bacteria, its rinds can become contaminated due to its growth near the ground.

Last year (December 2023), an outbreak of salmonella was linked to Malachita and Rudi cantaloupes, resulting in the deaths of six people in at least nine provinces.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reported an additional death later, bringing the total to seven. By that time, 153 cases had been confirmed, with other cases under investigation.

The outbreak affected multiple regions, including 103 confirmed cases in Quebec, 20 cases in Ontario, 17 in British Columbia, four cases in Nova Scotia, three cases in Alberta, and two each in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Canadian Ministry of Health stated that to ensure safe consumption and avoid foodborne illness, individuals should follow appropriate food safety practices when handling, washing, preparing, and storing these fruits.