So, apparently there’s been a recall on cantaloupes of all things. Specifically cantaloupes from Colorado carrying the Listeria bacteria which causes Listeriosis.
Check the FDA Press Release Here: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm271899.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/44709138#44709138 (Video)
From the CDC site:
What is listeriosis?
Listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is an important public health problem in the United States. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. However, rarely, persons without these risk factors can also be affected. The risk may be reduced by following a few simple recommendations.
What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
A person with listeriosis usually has fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Almost everyone who is diagnosed with listeriosis has “invasive” infection, in which the bacteria spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms vary with the infected person:
- Pregnant women: Pregnant women typically experience only a mild, flu-like illness. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Persons other than pregnant women: Symptoms, in addition to fever and muscle aches, can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Read the rest here: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/
The CDC also reports:
- As of 11am EDT on September 26, 2011, a total of 72 persons infected with the four outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported to CDC from 18 states. All illnesses started on or after July 31, 2011. The number of infected persons identified in each state is as follows: California (1), Colorado (15), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Kansas (5), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), Montana (1), Nebraska (6), New Mexico (10), North Dakota (1), Oklahoma (8), Texas (14), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (1).
- Thirteen deaths have been reported: 2 in Colorado, 1 in Kansas, 1 in Maryland, 1 in Missouri, 1 in Nebraska, 4 in New Mexico, 1 in Oklahoma, and 2 in Texas.
Read more on that here: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/092711/index.html
As you can see, this is serious stuff. Especially if you’re elderly or pregnant. The recall is on cantaloupes shipped by Jensen Farms – Rocky Ford cantaloupe. It’s possible they may contain this sticker on them: http://silenciobarnes.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cantaloupe-sticker.jpg
Here’s a NYTimes article on the outbreak: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/business/deaths-from-cantaloupe-listeria-rises.html
