Recall & Advice to Consumers

Recall

On September 14, 2011, FDA issued a press release to announce that Jensen Farms issued a voluntary recall of its Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes after they were linked to a multistate outbreak of listeriosis.  On September 23, 2011, FDA issued a press release to announce a recall from Carol’s Cuts LLC, a Kansas food processor; it recalled 594 pounds of fresh-cut cantaloupe packaged in 5-pound trays as chunks and as an ingredient in an 8-ounce mixed fruit medley. On October 6, FDA posted a press release that announced a recall from Fruit Fresh Up, Inc., a New York food processor. The company recalled 4,800 individual packages of fresh cut cantaloupe and cut mixed fruit containing cantaloupe, because the cantaloupe originated from Jensen Farms. The fresh cut fruit subject to this recall was sold between August 31 and September 11, 2011.

Advice to Consumers

This outbreak is over. However, Listeria is still an important cause of human illness in the United States.

Who is most at risk?

• Listeriosis primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns.
• Persons who think they might have become ill from eating contaminated food should consult their doctor immediately if they have symptoms. People can develop listeriosis up to two months after eating contaminated food.

For more information about listeriosis and recommendations to reduce your risk of getting listeriosis, visit CDC’s Listeria prevention page.

For more information on produce safety go to FDA’s Produce Safety page.