The previous public warning, issued on February_16, 2007, has been expanded to include new importers and new distribution of the affected cantaloupe.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Dole brand cantaloupes described below because these cantaloupes may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected cantaloupes, produce of Costa Rica, were distributed under the Dole brand name. However, individual cantaloupes do not have any markings.
Consumers who have purchased whole cantaloupe or in-store products containing pieces of fresh cantaloupe, and are not sure of the brand, should inquire at the store to verify if the stores have received the affected product.
Two importers, Elias Fresh Express, Windsor, Ontario and Smith Fruit Co. Limited, London, Ontario are voluntarily recalling the affected product from the stores. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these cantaloupes.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at
1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).