Cantaloupes and Salmonella

Although I linked to two reports on Salmonella and cantaloupe melons on the last post I felt that I should write another post to highlight the ongoing issues. There have been alerts and recalls all over the US and Canada over the potential link between Salmonella food poisoning and central American melons. The Salmonella concerned Salmonella Litchfield has been tracked by the CDC in the US over the last few months. The CDC report that between January 18 and March 5, 2008, state health departments have identified 50 ill persons in 16 states who have been infected with Salmonella Litchfield with the same genetic fingerprint. Interviews with individuals highlighted Honduran cantaloupes as a potential source. The FDA issued an alert on March 22nd which contained further details.