FDA issues import alert
FDA issues import alert
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued an import alert March 22 regarding entry of cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
The import alert advises FDA field offices that all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained.
In addition, the FDA has contacted importers about this action and is advising U.S. grocers, foodservice operators and produce processors to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company. The FDA also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes, according to the FDA.
To date, the FDA has received reports of 50 illnesses in 16 states and nine illnesses in Canada linked to the consumption of cantaloupes. No deaths have been reported; however, 14 people have been hospitalized. The states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
The FDA said that it is taking this preventive measure while the agency continues to investigate this outbreak in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and state partners. Such intervention is a key component of FDA's Food Protection Plan.
Symptoms of foodborne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In people with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life- threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.
The import alert advises FDA field offices that all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained.
In addition, the FDA has contacted importers about this action and is advising U.S. grocers, foodservice operators and produce processors to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from this company. The FDA also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes, according to the FDA.
To date, the FDA has received reports of 50 illnesses in 16 states and nine illnesses in Canada linked to the consumption of cantaloupes. No deaths have been reported; however, 14 people have been hospitalized. The states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
The FDA said that it is taking this preventive measure while the agency continues to investigate this outbreak in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and state partners. Such intervention is a key component of FDA's Food Protection Plan.
Symptoms of foodborne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In people with poor health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life- threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.
