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HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

MALICHITA BRAND CANTALOUPES MAY CONTAIN SALMONELLA BACTERIA

Related Alerts: 2006-12-09 | 2006-12-08

OTTAWA, December 8, 2006 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Malichita brand cantaloupes described below because these cantaloupes may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected cantaloupes, produce of Mexico, were shipped under Malichita brand name.

These cantaloupes were sold from November 30 up to and including December 8 in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Price Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador from the following stores:

Atlantic Super Store, Atlantic Wholesale Cash & Carry, Dominion (NL only), Fresh Mart and Save Easy.

Consumers who have purchased whole cantaloupe or in-store products containing pieces of fresh cantaloupe and are not sure of the brand should inquire at the place of purchase to verify if the stores have received the affected product.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these cantaloupes.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The affected cantaloupes in these stores have been removed from sale. The CFIA is continuing with its investigation.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Salmonella, visit: Food Facts web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml

Food Safety Facts for Cantaloupe at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/cantae.shtml

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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