The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned of contamination of a popular fruit product with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and announced its recall from markets in several states.
Fruit contaminated with dangerous bacteria recalled in the United States
The FDA stated that Wholesale Produce Supply in Minnesota recalled batches of cut and processed cantaloupe sold to distributors in Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin before being distributed to retailers under the Harvest Cuts and Fresh and Finest brands. The company confirmed it has temporarily halted production and distribution pending an investigation into the source of the contamination.
Risks of Listeria infection
Listeria monocytogenes infection is one of the most serious types of bacterial infection. Its symptoms usually begin with muscle pain, headache, nausea and fever, but it may develop to include neurological problems such as confusion, seizures and loss of balance.
The infection poses a significant threat to the most vulnerable groups:
Food scandal: Cinnamon powder contaminated with a dangerous substance withdrawn from US markets
For pregnant women : it may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or serious complications for newborns.
The elderly and those with weakened immune systems : as it can cause severe neurological diseases or death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,600 cases of Listeria are reported annually in the United States, resulting in about 260 deaths.
Methods of pollution transmission
Listeria bacteria occur naturally in soil and untreated water. When they adhere to the surface of fruit, contamination is transferred to the inside when the fruit is cut.
Unclean equipment—such as knives, conveyor belts, and brushes used in processing—can become a source of bacterial spread from a single fruit to large quantities of fruit. (Cantaloupes packaged in clear or sealed plastic containers provide an ideal moist environment that promotes bacterial growth.)
To date, no cases of illness linked to this product have been reported, but the FDA has advised consumers to:
Stop taking it immediately.
Return the packages to the place of purchase for a refund.
