Press Release 12/04/2006 #2
Contact: Public Affairs (404) 656-3689
Another Arizona company recalls cantaloupes as part of a nationwide Salmonella warning
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin warns consumers today of third recall of cantaloupes in a month that have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Vandervoet & Associaes, Inc., is yet another Rio Rico, Arizona grower of cantaloupes who is voluntarily recalling 7,400 cartons of its fruit that is sold and distributed in the United States and Canada. In mid-November, TimcoWorldwide of Calif. and Rio Vista, Ariz., issued recalls.
“We always warn Georgians to carefully wash all fresh fruits and vegetables,” says Irvin. “Our fruits and vegetables come to us directly from the field, they are cleaned there but as smart consumers of fresh produce, we want to carefully wash these items again when we get them home.”
The Vandervoet cantaloupes were shipped between Nov. 9 and Nov. 15 in cardboard cartons containing 9 to 23 melons per carton. The cantaloupes have a light green cast to the exterior, with orange flesh and are firm to the touch.
Healthy persons infected with Salmonella may experience fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or nausea.
“The young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly in danger here,” Irvin warns. “Salmonella, once in the blood stream can cause severe illnesses.”
In the very young, elderly and others, Salmonella can cause serious and sometime fatal infections.
The cantaloupes may have entered Georgia through the normal distribution of fresh fruit, Irvin says. Georgians who purchased the affected cantaloupes from Arizona may return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.
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