FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2008
Media Inquiries:
Stephanie Kwisnek, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA



FDA Warns of Salmonella Risk with Cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano
The agency detains products from the Honduran manufacturer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an import alert regarding
entry of cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and
packer, because, based on current information, fruit from this company
appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United
States and Canada. The import alert advises FDA field offices that all
cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained.

In addition, the FDA has contacted importers about this action and is
advising U.S. grocers, food service operators, and produce processors to
remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company. The FDA also
advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes 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.

To date, the FDA has received reports of 50 illnesses in 16 states and nine
illnesses in Canada linked to the consumption of cantaloupes. No deaths have
been reported; however, 14 people have been hospitalized. The states are
Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New
Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and
Wisconsin.

The FDA is taking this preventive measure while the agency continues to
investigate this outbreak in cooperation with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and state partners. Such intervention is a key
component of FDA's Food Protection Plan.

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

The FDA recommends that consumers take the following steps to reduce the
risk of contracting Salmonella or other foodborne illnesses from
cantaloupes:

a.. Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If buying
fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.


b.. After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly.


c.. Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh
cantaloupes.


d.. Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap
water immediately before eating. Don't use soap or detergents.


e.. Use clean cutting surfaces and utensils when cutting cantaloupes. Wash
cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot water and soap
between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, or seafood and the preparation
of cantaloupe.


f.. If there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut
away those parts before eating it.


g.. Leftover cut cantaloupe should be discarded if left at room
temperature for more than two hours.


h.. Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or
storing cantaloupes outdoors.
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