Liberty Fruit Company, Inc., Kansas City, Kan., is recalling certain packages containing cantaloupe because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. 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 the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled products were distributed to retail stores and foodservice operations in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. These organizations have already been contacted by the company.
The product is packaged in 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz and 32 oz (consumer only) as well as 5 lb (foodservice only) clear plastic containers marked Fruit Medley, Fruit Tray, Fruit Salad, Cantaloupe Chunks, Hawaiian Blend, and Melon Medley.
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, General