FDA ANNOUNCES RECALL OF CANTELOUPES LINKED TO SALMONELLA OUTBREAK IN 21 STATES

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version Share this

 

 
August 23, 2012 (Washington D.C.)--The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing a recall of cantaloupe by Chamberlain Farms in Indiana because of possible contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium associated with a multi-state outbreak of salmonellosis. The FDA is warning consumers not to eat and to discard cantaloupe from this farm, which shipped products to many states.

 

 

After officials from the FDA, CDC and Indiana briefed Chamberlain Farms on the current status of the investigation, Chamberlain made the decision to recall its cantaloupes. The investigation continues in order to determine whether there are other possible sources of the outbreak.
 
Records indicate that this product was initially shipped to Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, although further shipment was likely.
 
What is the Problem?
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 178 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium from 21 states Nationwide, 62 persons have been hospitalized. In Kentucky, two deaths have been reported.
 
The investigation into this outbreak continues, in order to determine whether there are other possible sources of the outbreak.
 
What are the Symptons of Illness/Injury?
 
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
 
However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
 
Who is at Risk?
 
Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate in all other persons. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections. It is estimated that approximately 400 persons die each year with acute salmonellosis.
 
Where was the cantaloupe distributed?
 
Records available currently indicate that the cantaloupe was initially shipped to Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin although further shipment was likely. The FDA urges consumers in any state who are buying or have recently bought cantaloupe to ask their retailers if the cantaloupe was grown on Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Indiana.
 
Who Should be Contacted?
 
Consumers who show any signs of illness from salmonellosis should consult their health care provider. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD or consult the fda.gov website.
 
For more information:
FDA:  Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Potentially Related to Cantaloupe Grown in Southwest Indiana
CDC:  Salmonella
CDC:  Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak
FoodSafety.gov: Salmonella
 
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
 
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
 

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.