2012 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupe – Consumer Advice
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport Infections Linked to Cantaloupe (Final Update)
Posted October 5, 2012 3:15 PM ET
This outbreak appears to be over. However, Salmonella is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about Salmonella, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC Salmonella Web Page and the CDC Vital Signs Web Page.
Recall
On August 22, 2012, Chamberlain Farms Produce, Inc. of Owensville, Indiana voluntarily recalled cantaloupe grown on its farm, because it was one possible source contributing to the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections.
Records available indicated that this product was initially shipped to Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, although further shipment was likely.
On September 10, 2012, Chamberlain Farms asked stores to remove their watermelon from store shelves as a precaution against possible contamination with Salmonella Newport.
A Schnucks Markets’ press release announced the action and the response taken by the grocery chain to remove the withdrawn watermelons.
Advice to Consumers, Retailers, and Others
- Consumers and food preparers should wash their hands before and after handling any melon.
- Wash the surface of melons such as cantaloupes, and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel before cutting.
- Promptly refrigerate cut cantaloupe.
- This particular outbreak appears to be over. However, Salmonella is still an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about Salmonella and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection can be found on the CDC Salmonella Web Page and the CDC Vital Signs Web Page.
For general produce safety advice, visit FDA’s Produce Safety webpage.
