Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. has announced a voluntary product recall of 4,992 cartons of cantaloupes.
The cantaloupes have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Panama. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Healthy persons are also at risk and if infected with Salmonella Panama often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the organism can enter the the bloodstream, resulting in severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.
The cantaloupes were distributed through warehouse clubs in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
The recalled products consist of cartons of cantaloupes, each containing 4 plastic beige mesh sleeves each sealed with a plastic orange handle with the Del Monte Logo and indication “3 count, Product of Guatemala” with 3 cantaloupes per sleeve and were available for sale between the 10th of March and the 21st of March, 2011.
The cantaloupes, grown in and shipped from Del Monte Freshs’ farm Asuncion Mita in Guatemala, have a light brown color skin on the exterior, with orange flesh. The recalled cartons of cantaloupes are dark brown cardboard with the “Del Monte” logo in red lettering and “cantaloupes” in yellow lettering 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
This cantaloupe recall is being implemented following a notification from the FDA that there is an epidemiologic link between the cantaloupes and approximately 12 reported cases of Salmonella Panama.
Del Monte Fresh has put on hold the production and distribution of the product from the affected farm. The FDA and the Company will continue their investigation as to what, including whether the Company’s product, caused the problem.
Consumers who believe that they are in possession of tainted cantaloupe affected by this recall should return it to the place of purchase for a refund and or contact 1-800-659-6500 for more information.
If you or anyone you know has become ill as a result of eating any of the affecting product call 888.777.1776 or submit a contact form for a free no obligation consultation regarding your case.
The product liability lawyers at Alexander Law Group, LLP, LLP are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
