Cantaloupes Recalled, Salmonella Contamination Suspected

Cantaloupes packed under the Majesty label are being recalled today because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, a form of foodborne bacteria that is a leading cause of food poisoning.

Five Crowns Marketing of Brawley, California and the Food and Drug Administration announced the voluntary nationwide recall after laboratory testing of some melons confirmed the presence of salmonella.

No consumer illnesses have been reported thus far in connection with tainted Majesty-brand cantaloupes and officials are still investigating to find the source of the contamination, the FDA and company officials said.

Serious Food Poisoning Linked to Salmonella

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in people, particularly young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the FDA says. Otherwise healthy people who are infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

One lot of Majesty cantaloupes packed by Five Crowns Marketing is involved in today’s recall. The affected products were shipped in cartons carrying lot numbers 198 2 and 198 3 between November 4 and November 13, 2009, the FDA said. The recalled cantaloupes were sold to wholesalers, retailers, and food-service operators in Alabama, California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, officials said.

No related posts.