Cantaloupes RecallThe company Del Monte Fresh of Florida has announced a voluntary product recall of its cantaloupes. The reason for this recall is the possibility of contamination by the bacteria Salmonella Panama. The recall was made on the 22nd of March.

There are 4,992 cartons of cantaloupes that are being recalled, each container having 4 mesh sleeves (plastic) and 3 cantaloupes in every sleeve. The mesh is sealed with an orange handle bearing a Del Monte brand and logo. It is also indicated in the container that the every pack contains 3 cantaloupes (3 counts) and that it is a product coming from Guatemala. The affected cantaloupes were solid from March 10 up to March 21. The cartons containing the cantaloupes are a dark brown in color, labeled with the red Del Monte symbol and yellow lettering saying “cantaloupes.” The affected products have lot codes 02-15-25-10, 02-15-28-10, 02-15-24-10 and 02-15-26-10.

The cantaloupes were recalled following a report through the FDA about a significant connection between the product and around 12 incidents of infection caused by Salmonella Panama. Currently the company has stopped the distribution and production of the products while investigation is still going on regarding the cause of the Salmonella contamination. The cantaloupes were grown in Asuncion Mita, a Del Monte Farm in Guatemala. The cantaloupes were distributed and sold in the states of California, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska and Washington.

Consumers who were able to buy the product are advised to not eat it but instead take it back to the store. They will be given a full refund for the cantaloupes that they bought. For any product recall related concerns, consumers can call the company’s hotline at 1 800-659-6500. Customer service representatives are available to assist callers everyday, 24 hours a day. They can also send the company an email at Contact-US-Executive-Office@freshdelmonte.com