Honduran Cantaloupes Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever are vague symptoms that can be attributed to different health problems. But, when Salmonella is identified as the cause for these symptoms it's an indicator of foodborne illness. Salmonellosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, has over 50 cases that have been identified in 16 states and nine cases in Canada. The contaminated food source - cantaloupes.

Yes, cantaloupes known for its high fiber content and cardioprotective benefits is now the latest food to be contaminated with Salmonella. In case you were wondering the states with recent outbreaks are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The FDA reported that a Honduran grower and packer of cantaloupes, Agropecuaria Montelibano, is responsible for the recent outbreak. Although, there were no deaths 14 people have been hospitalized. Salmonella has been known to enter the bloodstream of people with weakened immune systems leading to life-threatening infections.

The FDA, CDC and state agencies are working closely together to take preventative measures while continuing to investigate the outbreak. U.S. grocers, food service operators, and produce processors have been alerted to this problem and are required to get rid of cantaloupes received from this manufacturer. Consumers are advised to throw away cantaloupes that are known to come from this Honduran producer. The FDA lists some precautions to take to reduce the risk of Salmonella infection or other foodborne illness. Here are some of the FDA's tips and recommendations:

1. Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes.
2. Refrigerate promptly after purchase.
3. Store freshly-cut cantaloupes in the refrigerator or surround by ice.
4. Buy cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged.
5. Throw out cantaloupes left in room temperature for two or more hours.

So, you may be wondering how does one get Salmonella?

Well, Salmonella lives in the intestines of humans and animals. Some ways people can ingest foods contaminated by Salmonella include:

1. Foods contaminated with animal feces.
2. Meat and poultry that has Salmonella and is not properly cooked at the right temperature.
3. Unwashed hands of a contaminated food handler.
4. Cross-contamination - when juices of contaminated foods come in contact with ready to eat food (e.g. cutting board used for meats and salads).

The FDA is still investigating this recent outbreak of Salmonella. In the meantime you need to reduce your risk of infection by taking some precautions of your own. Avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands and kitchen surfaces frequently, refrigerate foods immediately and cook food at safe temperatures.

Sources: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01808.html, http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Salmonella_Questions_&_Answers/index.asp