Cantaloupe Recall: What You Need to Know

What's Happening?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of cantaloupes produced by Golden Sun Farms Inc. of Edinburg, Texas. The recall affects cantaloupes with a "Golden Sun Farms" sticker and a PLU code of 4882 or 4886.

The recall was issued due to potential contamination with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious illness. Symptoms of salmonellosis, the infection caused by Salmonella, include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps.

What You Should Do

If you have any of the recalled cantaloupes, do not eat them. Throw them away immediately and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

If you have eaten any of the recalled cantaloupes and are experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis, seek medical attention immediately.

Background

Salmonella is a common bacteria that can be found on a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, and produce. Symptoms of salmonellosis typically develop within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food and can last for up to a week.

In severe cases, salmonellosis can lead to hospitalization and even death. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious complications from salmonellosis.

Prevention

To prevent salmonellosis, it is important to follow these tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
• Cook meat and poultry to a safe internal temperature.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs.
• Store food properly in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

The FDA's recall of Golden Sun Farms cantaloupes is a reminder of the importance of food safety. By following the tips above, you can help protect yourself and your family from Salmonella and other foodborne illnesses.