The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that Ayco Farms Inc. has recalled 8,302 cartons of whole cantaloupes because they may be contaminated with salmonella.
The cantaloupes are sold by Ayco Farms Inc., which first began recalling them on March 24. On April 20, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class I. This means that consuming the fruit can have serious health effects or even cause death.
Melons were sold in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and California.
According to the FDA, affected melons can be identified using the following information:
- Product information: Fresh melon (whole, fresh)
• Packaging: Packed in food-safe plastic bags, packed in cardboard boxes, 6-12 melons per box.
• Lot numbers: GC26257, GC26270, GC26288, GC26289, GC26290, GC26294, GC26299, GC26301, GC26307, GC26308, GC26311, GC26312, GC26313, GC26318, GC26325, GC26326, GC26328, SCX2601, SCX2606, SCX2611, SCX2614, SCX2622, SCX2625, SCX2629, SCX2633, SGC2601, SGC2602, and SGC2607
About salmonella infection
Food contaminated with salmonella typically does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can get sick from a salmonella infection. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness because their immune systems are weaker.
Anyone who consumes recalled cantaloupe melons and develops symptoms of salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Diagnosing salmonellosis requires special testing, so sick people should tell their doctors about possible exposure to salmonella. Salmonella infection symptoms can be similar to other illnesses and often lead to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise healthy adults usually become sick for 4 to 7 days. However, in some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization may be necessary.
People with weakened immune systems, such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without feeling sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread the infection to other people.
