FDA Recalls Imported Canteloupes From Honduras

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FDA Recalls Imported Canteloupes From Honduras

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It's not the first time however, as there have many cases of canteloupe bearing salmonella brought into the United States in the past - and from multiple sources.

So before I continue on please take note:

The investigation by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is ongoing, but still recommends that all cantelopes from the area be destroyed.

50 people in 16 states, (including 14 which remain hospitalized,) and nine in Canada have confirmed cases of the salmonella bacterium - while thankfully, no deaths have yet been recorded.

FDA Recommendations:

Only buy canteloupes that are bruise free and undamaged;

Buying freshly cut canteloupe increases the risk. However, if you have bought it, make sure you surround it with ice and keep refrigerated.

Surely it doesn't really need to be repeated (Yes it does!) - washing your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water is a MUST, both before or after handling fresh canteloupes;

Just in case there is bacteria on the outer skin of the canteloupe, you should scrub it using a very clean produce brush and cool tap water - immediately before eating.

Do NOT eat bruised or damaged areas of a canteloupe!

If you have already cut a canteloupe - try not to leave it at room temperature prior to eating. If it's been exposed for longer than two hours - discard.

This is especially true if you're creating bowls of fresh fruit salads and/or fruit platters.

Thank you to the FDA for those recommendations.

Marler Clark, Attorneys at Law, L.L.P., P.S. (Report: June 11, 2001)

Suit Filed in Salmonella-Tainted Cantaloupe Illness

There was the case of Nathan Eget (15 months old at the time,) of California and about twenty other people who filed lawsuits for contracting a rare strain of salmonellosis from cantaloupe in the past.

Viva Mexico Shigella Litigation - Multistate

The Viva Mexico Mexican Restaurant in Redwood City, Ca., was ordered to pay $55,000 in fines.  They were also ordered to ensure that washing hands was required in order to avoid events like the Shigella Bacterium outbreak in the restaurant, causing 250 patrons to become ill - with one dying in October, 2000.

FDA News
FDA Warns Consumers about Viva Brand Imported Canteloupe

This report came out in 2001, when there was an outbreak of foodborne illnesses that had been associated with canteloupole imported by Shipley Sales Service of Nogales, Arizona.

The disease caused several fatal infections in elderly people, young children, or the frail.  Two deaths were recorded.

There are literally numerous individual reports referring to cantaloupe containg salmonella or other disease causing bacteria.

Sources:

AJC.com
Cantaloupe Linked to Georgia Illnesses
AP

Medical News Today
Cantaloupes From Agropecuaria Montelibano May Have Salmonella, FDA Warns
by Christian Nordqvist

11 Alive.com
FDA: Toss That Cantaloupe 

Salmonella.org