Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Contaminated cantaloupe leading to 13 deaths and 72 illnesses

Do you enjoy eating cantaloupe? There have been 13 deaths and 72 illnesses reported as a result of people eating cantaloupe contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. You can read more about this on CNN here.

I think it's important to make sure that everyone is aware of the potential risks and consequences this could have on individuals based on their health status. Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, the leading cause of death among foodborne bacterial pathogens, with fatality rates exceeding even Salmonella. Every year, listeriosis kills approximately 500 people.

The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Rocky Ford Cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms and to throw away recalled product that may still be in their home.

Jensen Farms is voluntarily recalling Rocky Ford Cantaloupe shipped from July 29 through September 10, 2011, and distributed to at least 17 states with possible further distribution.

While all people are susceptible to Listeria, older adults, persons with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are at particular risk.

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