FDA Suspects Cantaloupe To Be Linked To Salmonella Outbreak
March 24, 2008
From the AP
People should throw away cantaloupes from a Honduran manufacturer believed to be linked to a salmonella outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration issued the alert Saturday for melons from Agropecuaria Montelibano. Grocers are advised to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company. People should check with stores to see whether recently purchased cantaloupes came from Honduras.
So far, 50 people have become sickened in 16 states and nine have become ill in Canada after eating the cantaloupes. No deaths have been reported, although 14 people have been hospitalized, the FDA said.
The government also is seeking to detain all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by Agropecuaria Montelibano.
The FDA said it was taking this step while it continues to investigate the outbreak with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and individual states.
To reduce the risk of contracting salmonella or other foodborne illnesses from cantaloupes, the FDA recommends:
• Purchasing cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, refrigerate or surround it with ice.
• Washing hands with hot, soapy water before or after handling fresh cantaloupes.
• Scrubbing whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating.
From the AP
The Quaker Oats Co. said Tuesday it is recalling a limited number of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix products because of potential salmonella contamination from raw or undercooked ingredients.
The company said a small quantity of Aunt Jemima Pancake & Waffle Mix: Original, Original Complete and Buttermilk Complete products are included in the recall. The recalled products are sold in 2 pound and 5 pound boxes with best-before dates of Feb. 8, 2009 through Feb. 16, 2009 stamped on the top.
The company added that no illnesses have been reported.
