Dole cantaloupe being recalled
Cantaloupes bearing the Dole label and sold in the eastern U.S. and Quebec are being recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
Dole announced the recall Friday.
Here’s what the company had to say:
RECALL OF CANTALOUPES DUE TO POTENTIAL HEALTH CONCERNS
Westlake Village, CA - Dole Fresh Fruit Company announced the recall of cantaloupes in the Eastern U.S. and Quebec due to potential health concerns. Some cantaloupes packed on January 25, 26 and 27, 2007 by an independent, third-party grower in Costa Rica have tested positive for Salmonella. Although no illnesses have been reported, Dole voluntarily has decided to recall all cantaloupes imported from Costa Rica and packed by that grower. Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of symptoms and illnesses. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more severe illnesses and potentially can be fatal. Approximately 6,104 cartons of cantaloupes were distributed to wholesalers in regions of the eastern United States and Quebec between February 5 and February 8, 2007. The cantaloupes have a light green color skin on the exterior, with orange flesh. The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk in cardboard cartons, with 9, 12 or 15 cantaloupes to a carton. The recalled cartons are dark brown with “Dole Cantaloupes” in red lettering. They have a thirteen-digit number on a white tag pasted to the carton; the tenth digit is a 2. The recall is a result of a random test by the company. Consumers who have uneaten cantaloupe purchased in the eastern United States or Quebec, on or after February 5, 2007, may contact their retail store to see if the product is the recalled brand. Consumers with additional questions should contact the Dole Consumer Center at (800) 232-8888.
Two things are curious about this recall. First, it was announced by Dole, without an initial report to the federal Food & Drug Administration.
Second, cantaloupe long has been susceptible to salmonella contamination. No one really understands the source of the contamination, but it happens periodically. Yet, the government and produce distributors haven’t seen fit to warn consumers that such contamination is often a possibility when it comes to cantaloupe.
February 18th, 2007 at 5:47 am
Knock, knock … who’s there? … cantaloupe … cantaloupe what? … Can’t elope tonight, the thing’s been recalled?
Oh, did I say that out loud??
To me, this recall is important as it shows even foods packed by Mother Nature herself aren’t immune to these kinds of health concerns. And beyond folks thinking such a thing might be immune to these kinds of problems, it’s also a concern for zoos, where certain species are fed whole or chunked fruits and vegetables.
Not only have “cantaloupe long has been susceptible to salmonella contamination”, it can be seriously dangerous to those people most susceptible to salmonella. From an incident in 2002:
http://www.marlerclark.com/news/Kunick1.htm
February 18th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Thanks for sharing the article, Cookster.
This whole thing spoiled my weekend. I was planning to have a fruit salad dinner party, but I wasn’t planning to invite Sam and Ella.
February 18th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
It’s better when Janet comes instead of Ella. You know, “Sam and Janet evening …”