Fruit Recall: Cantaloupe linked to Salmonella Food Poisoning

By Austin Kirk
Posted March 24, 2008

ADD YOUR COMMENTS 2

Over the weekend, the FDA warned that a recent salmonella food poisoning outbreak could be linked to cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer. The cantaloupe recall applies to whole canteloupes sold at stores as well as to some fresh cut fruit packages. At least one fruit recall was issued by Charlie’s Produce of Spokane, Washington as a result of the cantaloupe food poisoning problems.

>>INFORMATION: Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawsuits

The FDA has received reports of at least 50 cases of food poisoning in 16 different states and nine illnesses in Canada which have been linked to recently purchased cantaloupes. Although it appears that the recalled cantaloupe was sold throughout the United States, confirmed food poisoning injuries have been identified in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

While there have been no confirmed deaths associated with the samonella outbreak, the infection can pose a serious health risk. Salmonella symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While most healthy adults recover within a few weeks, the elderly, young children or those with poor health or weakened immune systems could suffer life-threatening infections if the salmonella invades the blood stream. This could lead to arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

The Charlie’s Produce Fruit Recall applies to the following productswhich could contain cut cantaloupe contaminated with salmonella:

Retail Products

• Cut Fruit 4 Section – 40 oz
• Cut Cantaloupe – 24 oz, 16 oz, 8 oz
• Cut Honeydew/Cantaloupe – 16 oz
• Mixed Fruit – 25 oz, 16 oz, 8 oz
• Rainbow – 24 oz, 16 oz, 8 oz
• Cut Fruit Tray Deli – 12′, 8′
• Cut Fruit Tray – 76 oz, 40 oz 8′
• Grab & Go Fruit Tray – 16 oz

Food Service Products

• Cut Cantaloupe – 20 lb, 64 oz
• Cut Mixed Fruit – 20lb, 64 oz

NOTE: All products are branded with “Charlie’s Produce name and logo, in a hard plastic clammshell, with a Use by Date between 03 07 and 03 29

The cantaloupe fruit recall was issued by the FDA on Saturday and stores have been advised to remove the stock of any cantaloupes from this Honduran manufacturer from their shelves. However, as was seen following the Peter Pan peanut butter recall last year, the products may not be immediately removed if the retailer or grocer fails to receive or pay attention to the cantaloupe recall. Consumers have been advised to check with the store to see whether any recently purchased cantaloupes came from Honduras.

SALMONELLA OUTBREAK LAWYERS

The food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential recall lawsuits on behalf of individuals who suffered severe food poisoning requiring medical treatment after eating cantaloupe recently purchased. Request a free consultation.