Second Update on Honduran Cantaloupes

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is updating Georgians on problems with some cantaloupes imported from Honduras. The melons may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s import alert of March 22, another company has recalled the following:

Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Westlake Village, CA
This recall has been initiated based on current information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.

Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of symptoms and illnesses. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 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 more severe illnesses and potentially can be fatal.

The cantaloupes were distributed for sale throughout the United States and parts of Canada in cardboard cartons with the brand "Dole" and "PRODUCT OF HONDURAS" printed on each of the side panels of the carton.

The FDA 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.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Dole Fresh Fruit Company at (800) 232-8888.

Additional information can be found on the FDA’s website at http://www.fda.gov/ or by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).

For more information regarding the recall of Agropecuaria Montelibano cantaloupes, see press releases for March 22 and 28, 2008.

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