FDA Issues Another Recall on Cantaloupes
With hundreds infected across 21 states, the FDA announced a recall for cantaloupes from a farm in southern Indiana.
One year after a Colorado farm recalled whole cantaloupes linked to a multi-state outbreak of Listeria, the Food and Drug Administration has identified a farm in Owensville, Ind. that is linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has affected people in 21 states. Two people have died, and 62 of the 178 people who have been infected have been hospitalized, according to the agency.
FDA identified the southern Indiana farm as Chamberlain Farms, which has agreed to cease distribution immediately. Any consumer who has a Chamberlain Farms cantaloupe is advised to discard it immediately.
"Many cantaloupes have the growing area identified with a sticker on the fruit," CDC said in a statement on its website. "If no sticker is present, consumers should inquire about the source. When in doubt, throw it out."
Children are most susceptible to the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, if an adult or child begins to display symptoms -- including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps -- up to 72 hours after ingesting cantaloupe, the agency recommends contacting a physician immediately.
William Marler, a lawyer in the Seattle firm Marler Clark who represents food illness victims, said federal guidance intended to help melon growers prevent Salmonella contamination haven't had much effect so far.
The Colorado farm linked to the 2011 Listeria outbreak filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year.