The last few weeks we have sent out several food safety alerts regarding cantaloupe recalls throughout the U.S. Today, we recieved news the recall was expanded to a processing facility in Kansas City, Kansas, and that cut cantaloupe was shipped to institutions and grocery stores in Missouri. The orginal whole fruits were part of a larger recall and shipped in mid-August. During processing the shelf life can be extended and these fruits may still be in in circulation.
Carol’s Cuts LLC, a food processor in Kansas City, Kan., is recalling 594 pounds of fresh cut cantaloupe packaged in 5-pound trays as chunks and as an ingredient in 8-ounce mixed fruit medley because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The Carol’s Cuts recall is part of a larger recall involving cantaloupe traced to Rocky Ford cantaloupes produced by Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo. The Food and Drug Administration confirmed that listeria was found in samples taken from a Denver-area store and the Jensen Farms packing facility. The melons were shipped to at least 17 different states across the U.S. between July 29 and Sept. 10.
To receive timely news and alerts about such topics join the AgriMissouri mailing list HERE.
For a complete list of Carol's Cuts, LLC items recalled and when they were shipped, visit http://health.mo.gov/safety/foodrecalls/pdf/2011/carol-cuts-canteloupe-9-23-11.pdf.
For information on the original Jensen Farms recall, visit http://health.mo.gov/safety/foodrecalls/pdf/2011/cantaloupe91411.pdf.
Comments