Dole recalls Salmonella infected cantaloupes in U.S. states, Quebec
Pastor Dale Morgan
Dole recalls Salmonella infected cantaloupes in U.S. states, Quebec*
Updated Fri. Feb. 16 2007 6:28 PM ET
Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The Dole Fresh Fruit Co. recalled several thousand cartons
of imported cantaloupes distributed in the eastern United States and
Quebec on Saturday after the fruit tested positive for salmonella.
The recall is the second sparked by salmonella fears this week.
On Wednesday, ConAgra Foods Inc. recalled its Peter Pan brand and
certain batches of Wal-Mart's Great Value house brand of peanut butter
after they were linked to a salmonella outbreak that's sickened nearly
300 people in 39 states.
Dole said there have been no reports of illness due to the contaminated
cantaloupes, which were grown in Costa Rica.
The company said the recall covered roughly 6,104 cartons of cantaloupes
distributed to wholesalers in the eastern United States and Quebec
between Feb. 5 and Feb. 8.
The cantaloupes have a light-green colour skin and orange flesh, the
Westlake Village, Calif. company said.
The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk in cardboard cartons,
with nine, 12 or 15 cantaloupes to a carton, Dole said. The recalled
cartons are dark brown with "Dole Cantaloupes" in red lettering. They
have a thirteen-digit number on a white tag pasted to the carton; the
tenth digit is a "2."
Consumers with questions should call the store where they bought the
cantaloupes or contact Dole at 1(800) 232-8888.
Salmonella sickens about 40,000 people a year in the U.S. and kills
about 600. It can cause diarrhea, fever, dehydration, abdominal pain and
vomiting.
Salmonella infections have been linked to melons at least since 1990,
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends consumers wash the
outer surface of cantaloupes and other melons with cool tap water before
slicing into them. If they're not washed, the cutting and any subsequent
handling can spread contamination from the outer skin to the flesh of
the fruit.