Ayco Farms Inc. has initiated a recall of fresh melons due to potential salmonella contamination.
The affected whole fruit was distributed in Pennsylvania, Florida, California and New York. A total of 8,302 items are subject to recall.
The recalled Ayco fresh whole melons are packaged in food-safe plastic bags and cardboard boxes containing 6 to 12 melons each.
– The recalled product numbers are 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, SGC2607.
The recall began on March 24 after the problem was discovered, but the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety did not post a standard recall notice. The recall is ongoing and has not yet been classified by the FDA.
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.
