Del Monte recalls Cantaloupe possibly linked to 12 Salmonella poisoning cases

Del Monte Fresh Produce is recalling nearly 5,000 cartons of Cantaloupes it distributed in the western U.S. because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

According to a release from Del Monte, the recall includes 4,992 cartons of Cantaloupes. Each carton contains four plastic, mesh sleeves containing three melons per sleeve.

The cantaloupes includes in this recall were distributed to warehouse clubs in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
Consumers will identify the product because each carton contains four plastic beige mesh sleeves each sealed with a plastic orange handle with the Del Monte logo and marked “3 count, Product of Guatemala” on the label.

The melons were for sale March 10-21.  They were grown at Del Monte’s farm in Asuncion Mountain in Guatemala. They have a light brown skin with orange flesh.

The cartons are identified by a dark brown color with the Del Monte logo in red letters and Cantaloupes marked in yellow letters on a green background. The cantaloupes have the lot codes: 02-15-24-10, 02-15-25-10, 02-15-26-10 and 02-15-28-10.

At least 12 people have been confirmed with contracting Salmonella Panama poisoning. Del Monte is waiting to hear from federal officials at the Food and Drug Administration whether its Cantaloupes included in this recall caused the poisoning.

Early symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The very young, the elderly and those with weak immune systems could require hospitalization because of Salmonella poisoning.