On March 22, 2008, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) warned the public against consuming cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer. The cantaloupes that are from this grower have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak in both the United States and Canada.

Consumers who have recently purchased a cantaloupe or in-store products containing pieces of cantaloupe are encouraged to contact the retailer to determine if the fruit came from the Honduran packer.

There were 50 reports of foodborne illness from Salmonella in the United States, and nine reports of illnesses in Canada.

Food inspection agencies recommend the following to reduce the risk of foodborne illness from Salmonella in cantaloupes:

• Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged
• Be sure fruits and vegetables like cantaloupes are properly refrigerated when you purchase them
• After you purchase cantaloupes, refrigerate them promptly
• Before and after handling cantaloupes, wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds and with soap
• Before cutting a fresh cantaloupe, thoroughly wash and brush it with running water using a clean produce brush
• Do not leave cut cantaloupe at room temperature for more than two hours.

For more information, consumers can call one of the following numbers: Canada Safety Limited at 1-800-723-3929, or CFIA at 1-800-422-2342.

Source: “CFIA: Health Hazard Alert - Cantaloupes From Agropecuaria Montelibano May Be Contaminated With Salmonella Bacteria,” Market Watch, March 22, 2008 (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/cfia-health-hazard-alert—/story.aspx?guid=%7B63EDF579-E20A-4A0A-A8F7-B51A3E91309B%7D).