The Food and Drug Administration has blocked all cantaloupes imported from Agropecuaria Montelibano in Honduras because they have been associated with a salmonella outbreak in the USA and Canada that has hospitalized 14 people and sickened at least 50 in 16 states.
Melons contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumers who recently bought cantaloupe should ask the store it came from where it was grown and packed. Any cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano should be thrown away, the FDA told growers and restaurants Saturday.
Illnesses have been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
Salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In the very young, the very old and people in poor health, it can cause life-threatening infections. Anyone who has recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of the symptoms listed above should contact his doctor.
Imports make up 34% of all cantaloupe consumed in the USA, the USDA says. Most arrive from December to April, when cantaloupes can't be grown domestically. Honduras is the nation's second-leading supplier of cantaloupe, with 24% of the market.
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