Press Release 11/18/2006 #2
Contact: Public Affairs (404) 656-3689
Sundia Cantaloupes Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is alerting consumers about a brand of cantaloupes being recalled because they pose a possible health risk.
Timco Worldwide Inc. of Woodland, CA, is voluntarily recalling its Sundia brand cantaloupes because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses.
Five hundred and four (504) cartons of cantaloupes were distributed in Phoenix, Arizona; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dallas, Texas; and Okeechobee, Florida between October 30th and November 6th, 2006. The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk in cardboard cartons, numbering either 9 or 15 cantaloupes to a carton, under the Sundia label. The cantaloupes are straw-colored on the exterior and have orange flesh.
The recall was a result of a routine sampling program by the US Food and Drug Administration on October 30, 2006. That testing revealed that a portion of the finished products contained the bacteria. Timco Worldwide Inc. ceased the distribution of this product as soon as FDA apprised the company of the test results. The FDA and Timco Worldwide continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Consumers with questions may contact Timco Worldwide Inc. at (530) 668-9966.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
“Although these cantaloupes were not shipped directly to Georgia, they may have been redistributed into the state. Our inspectors will be checking to make sure if any came in that they are removed from sale,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin. “Anyone who has bought one of these may return it to the place of purchase for a refund.”
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