Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupe

Over 50 cases of salmonella have been diagnosed across the United States in the last few days with a link to tainted cantaloupe. The most recent reporting came out of Washington State and involved produce from a Honduran company, Agropecuaria Montelbano, according to the FDA. Melons are often relabeled and named under store brands, as was the case in Washington, where Charlie's Produce distributes cut cantaloupe to grocery stores, delis, and food service companies in Washington, Idaho and Montana. Several stores in California, including Save Mart, Lucky and Food Maxx have pulled mixed-fruit products from their shelves that contained melon imported from Agropecuaria Montelbano. In addition, Dole Fruit Company, who imports from a Costa Rican grower, also had cantaloupes test positive for salmonella and have announced a recall. Incidents have been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

A separate outbreak of Salmonella occurred in Alamosa, Colorado, where over 200 people became ill after drinking contaminated groundwater from the municipal water supply. A three-stage clean-up was implemented today in this south-central Colorado farming community. Meanwhile, residents are drinking only bottled water as a safeguard.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella is a bacteria passed from the feces of humans or animals. These microscopic organisms can infect humans who ingest contaminated foods, causing illness. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, and fever, which appear within 12 to 72 hours after infection, and can last 4 to 7 days. Generally, no treatment is necessary, unless the infection spreads from the intestines or severe dehydration occurs. Salmonella infections can be especially dangerous in the young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune symptoms.

To be completely safe, the FDA suggests you check with your local store for information on purchased melons. As a usual precaution, all fruit should be washed, particularly that which is grown on the ground. For fruit with uneven surfaces, such as cantaloupe, it is recommended that you scrub thoroughly before cutting with a clean knife.