Hundreds of melons have been recalled across the United States by a company over fears of potential salmonella contamination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers not to consume the listed products, which were distributed in Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia between August 13 and 17.
According to the FDA, Eagle Produce LLC, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has recalled 224 cases of whole cantaloupe under the brand name Kandy with the UPC number code 4050, after products in the same batch were found to contain salmonella following routine sample testing by the State of Michigan.
Newsweek has contacted Eagle Produce LLC via telephone for comment.
Salmonella is from a group of food-borne bacteria that can cause differing severities of illness. Infection comes from a variety of sources, including eating contaminated food or drinking water, and touching infected animals.
The following foods may carry a higher risk of salmonella contamination:
- Raw or undercooked meat and poultry.
- Raw or undercooked eggs.
- Raw or unpasteurized milk and other dairy products.
- Raw fruits and vegetables.
In general, salmonella infection results in diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that last for roughly four to seven days. While most people recover without treatment, some—especially young children, those with weakened immune systems, and the over-65s—may experience more severe illness that requires medical treatment or hospitalization.
In severe cases, the infection may spread beyond the intestines, which can be life-threatening.
"Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems," the FDA said in a statement.
Infection with this bacteria is not uncommon—according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are roughly 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths as a result of salmonella in the United States every year. The CDC adds that, for every one person with a confirmed salmonella infection, there are probably at least 30 more cases that are not reported, meaning the number of salmonella cases in the U.S. is likely much higher.
However, there have been no illnesses reported as a result of the recalled cantaloupe.
To avoid salmonella contamination, it is important to practice good food hygiene:
- Wash your hands before handling food and after handling raw meat and poultry.
- Store raw meat and poultry away from other food items in your refrigerator.
- Use a separate cutting board for meat and other produce.
- Cook food thoroughly and refrigerate any leftovers promptly after cooking.
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