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Cantaloupes Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

March 25, 2008/updated April 1, 2008

  1. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an import alert regarding entry of cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada. The import alert advises FDA field offices that all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained.

    In addition, the FDA has contacted importers about this action and is advising U.S. grocers, food service operators, and produce processors to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company. The FDA also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes.

    UPDATE: The following information regarding product reportedly distributed in Connecticut has been added to the recall notice:

     

    Whole cantaloupe

    Products were sold in cardboard cartons

    1. 1. T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc. http://www.fda.gov/
    2. 2. Tropifresh, Inc. http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/tropifresh03_08.html
    3. 3. Mike’s Melons http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/tmkovacevich03_08.html
    4. 4. Mayan Pride http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/chiquita03_08.html
    5. 5. Chiquita http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/chiquita03_08.html
    6. 6. Dole Fresh Fruit Company
    7. 7. Bounty Fresh, LLC, In Plastic Sleeves http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/bountyfresh03_08.html
      1. ▫ Chestnut Hill Farms (three count)
      2. ▫ Perfect Melon (one count)

     

    Cut cantaloupe

    8. JARD Marketing http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/jard03_08.html

    Food Service products containing cantaloupe packed in plastic pails and jars include the following brands:

    1. Pebble Beach

    2. Festival Of Fruit

    3. Cornucopia Sweet

    4. Jambo Chef

    5. Fowler Fruit Mix

    6. Instantwhip

    7. Syracuse Banana

    8. City Line Food Distributors

    Pails under this recall are coded with an expiration date from "Exp Apr 7, 2008" to "Exp Apr 22, 2008 or with a Julian Code of "08067" to "08082".

    Plastic jars under this recall are coded with an expiration date of "Exp Apr 22, 2008" to "May 7, 2008" or with a Julian Code of "08067" to "08082".

    Retail products containing cantaloupe packed in plastic cups and trays include the following brands:

      1. Frosty Fresh

      2. Fresh Hand Cut

      3. Fruit On The Go

      4. Highland Park

      5. Bruegger’s Bagels

      6. Sid Wainer & Son

      7. Hannaford Brothers

      8. Garden Highway Plant # P-005

    Plastic cups and trays under this recall are coded with a sell by date of "3/29/08" or earlier.  

    Symptoms of foodborne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.

    The FDA recommends that consumers take the following steps to reduce the risk of contracting Salmonella or other foodborne illnesses from cantaloupes:

    • Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.

    • After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly.

    • Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes.

    • Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating. Don't use soap or detergents.

    • Use clean cutting surfaces and utensils when cutting cantaloupes. Wash cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot water and soap between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, or seafood and the preparation of cantaloupe.

    • If there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it.

    • Leftover cut cantaloupe should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than two hours.

    • Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or storing cantaloupes outdoors.

     

    2.

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