The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has announced an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium that has sickened 178 people, with two deaths reported, in 21 states.
The CDC announced yesterday that cantaloupe originating from Chamberlain Farms Produce, Inc. of Owensville, Indiana is a likely source of this outbreak.
Consumers are advised not to eat any canteloupe believed to have originated in Southern Indiana. (See further advice to consumers below.)
According to the CDC, “Records available currently indicate that this product was initially shipped to Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, although further shipment was likely.”
The 21 States that have been affected so far (with the number of ill persons identified in each state), as reported by the CDC, include:
On August 22, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of cantaloupes originating from Chamberlain Farms Produce, Inc. in Owensville, Indiana.
What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?
According to the FDA, “Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.”
“However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics,” the FDA said in its recall notice.
What do consumers need to do?
The FDA advises: “Consumers who are buying or have recently bought cantaloupe should ask their retailers if the cantaloupe was grown on Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Indiana. The FDA warns consumers not to eat this cantaloupe, and if they have purchased it, they should throw it away.”
“If consumers believe they have cantaloupe from this farm, they should not try to wash the harmful bacteria off the cantaloupe as contamination may be both on the inside and outside of the cantaloupe. Cutting, slicing and dicing may also transfer harmful bacteria from the fruit’s surface to the fruit’s flesh.” “When in doubt, throw it out,” the FDA advises.
Who should be contacted?
The FDA advises that “Consumers who show any signs of illness from salmonellosis should consult their health care provider. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD or consult the fda.gov website.”
Where are Consumers Most at Risk?
Following is a map published by the CDC showing the 21 states in which the salmonella outbreak has occurred so far. The number of cases of salmonella infection is indicated for each state:
For more information:
See:
CDC: Salmonella
CDC: Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak
FoodSafety.gov: Salmonella
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