New York-based food manufacturing company Fruit Fresh Up, Inc has announced a recall on about 4,800 single packages of “Fresh Cut Cantaloupe” and “Cut Mixed Fruit Containing Cantaloupe.” These products are being recalled because they are possibly contaminated by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
The fresh cut cantaloupe includes the following: “Cantaloupe chunks,” “Gourmet Fruit Salad,” “Small Fruit Salad with Pineapple,” “Large Fruit Salad with Pineapple,” “Fruit Trays,” “Cantaloupe Slices,” and “Fruit Salad with Kiwi.” These fruit cuts were sold from August 31 to September 11. The products have a “best-by” date of September 4 to September 11. These fruit products were distributed mostly in Buffalo, New York, as well as in surrounding areas (through catering orders and retail stores).
This recall is still part of a larger cantaloupe recall involving the cantaloupes of Rocky Ford, which are produced and processed by Jensen Farms. The FDA had already previously confirmed the presence of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes in the cantaloupe samples that were tested, as well as in the packing facility of Jensen Farms. These cantaloupes had been shipped to about 17 US states from July 29 to September 10. These cantaloupes have been linked to 96 illnesses, which include 18 deaths.
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterial contaminant. The most common symptom of food poisoning caused by this bacterium includes high fever and diarrhea. In frail people, like the elderly and children, a Listeria infection can cause death. In pregnant women, this bacterium can cause miscarriages, or stillbirths.
People who might have these recalled cantaloupes are advised to return it or dispose it. They can call the company at 716-684-4300, on weekdays from 8 AM until 5 PM for any questions they have about the recall.
It seems somewhat surprising that this recall took so long given that the Jensen Cantaloupe recall was a while ago.