Chiquita Brands International, Inc. Recalls Whole Cantaloupes Grown by Agropecuaria Montelibano, Honduras, Due to Possible Health Risk

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano in Honduras. The product was distributed to customers nationwide and is being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of food-borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.

The cantaloupes were distributed for sale throughout the US and Canada in cardboard cartons with the brands "Mike's Melons," "Mayan Pride" and "Chiquita" all showing "PRODUCE OF HONDURAS" printed on each of the side panels of the carton. The address of the shipper appears on one end panel of the carton as follows:

GROWN, PACKED AND SHIPPED BY:
AGROPECUARIA MONTELIBANO
SAN LORENZO, VALLE, HONDURAS

Chiquita advises that U.S. grocers, food service operators and produce processors remove from their stock all recall product. Chiquita also advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (800) 242-5472.