Cantaloupe Is Recalled; Associated With Salmonella Illness Reports

The Chippewa County Health Department has issued a warning regarding recalled cantaloupe that may be associated with a salmonella Litchfield outbreak. The product was distributed nationwide and in Canada, and it has been found locally in Chippewa County. Central American Produce of Pompano Beach, Florida, is voluntarily recalling cantaloupes grown, packed, and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montalibano of San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras.

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

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that U.S. grocers, food service operators, and produce processors remove from their stock any cantaloupes grown, packed, and shipped from this company. The FDA is also advising consumers who have recently bought cantaloupe 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.