FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Nationwide Recall of Susie Brand Imported Cantaloupe Due to
Potential Health Risk
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Lawrence Kroman
956-686-4324
For Immediate Release
Nationwide Recall of Susie Brand Imported Cantaloupe Due to
Potential Health Risk
The I. Kunik Company of McAllen, Texas is issuing a nationwide voluntary recall
of its Susie brand cantaloupes because of their association with outbreaks of
foodborne illness throughout the United States and Canada. The outbreaks of
Salmonella poona that have infected dozens of people throughout parts
of the United States and Canada are linked to the Susie brand of cantaloupe
which is imported from Mexico and distributed in the United States and Canada.
Salmonella poona is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes
fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with
weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella poona
often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare
circumstances, infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream
and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected
aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The cantaloupe was sold in retail stores and restaurants and possibly used
in other institutions. Fresh cantaloupe has a shelf life of 7-10 days.
This recall resulted from an FDA traceback of these foodborne outbreaks. As
a result of this investigation, FDA has taken steps to prevent the importation
of any other contaminated cantaloupe. FDA is detaining all cantaloupe imported
by I. Kunik from Mexico. The agency is also working with the company, states
and other government agencies to investigate this matter.
Retailers, restaurants and food service operations should determine if any of
their existing stock of cantaloupe was purchased or sold under the Susie brand
name, and if so, remove it from sale. Any cantaloupe bearing this brand name
should not be consumed.
Although Susie brand is the only brand of cantaloupe associated with this outbreak,
FDA continues to recommend that consumers take the following steps with cantaloupe
and other produce to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
- Purchase produce that is not bruised or damaged. If buying fresh cut produce,
be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
- After purchase, put produce that needs refrigeration away promptly. (Fresh
whole produce such as bananas and potatoes do not need refrigeration.) Fresh
produce should be refrigerated within two hours of peeling or cutting. Leftover
cut produce should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than
two hours.
- Wash hands often. Hands should be washed with hot soapy water before and
after handling fresh produce, or raw meat, poultry, or seafood, as well as
after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets.
- Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables with cool tap water immediately before
eating. Don't use soap or detergents. Scrub firm produce, such as melons and
cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away any bruised or damaged areas
before eating.
- Wash surfaces often. Cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops
should be washed with hot soapy water and sanitized after coming in contact
with fresh produce, or raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Sanitize after use with
a solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
- Wash surfaces often. Cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops
should be washed with hot soapy water and sanitized after coming in contact
with fresh produce, or raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Sanitize after use with
a solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
- Don't cross contaminate. Use clean cutting boards and utensils when handling
fresh produce. If possible, use one clean cutting board for fresh produce
and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. During food preparation,
wash cutting boards, utensils or dishes that have come into contact with fresh
produce, raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Do not consume ice that has come in
contact with fresh produce or other raw products.
- Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or storing
perishable food outdoors, including cut fresh fruits and vegetables.
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