Newsroom > Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts 

HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

MALICHITA BRAND CANTALOUPES MAY CONTAIN SALMONELLA BACTERIA

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

OTTAWA, December 9, 2006 - The public warning issued on December 8, 2006 has been updated to include additional distribution information.

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 imported into Canada on November 27 under Malichita brand name.

The affected Malichita cantaloupes have been sold mostly from Loblaws Supermarkets and Loblaw affiliated stores in Eastern Ontario and the Atlantic Region from November 27 up to and including December 9.

A small amount of affected product was also sold through cash and carry or independent retail outlets in Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic Region from November 27 up to an including December 9.

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 importer, Dominion Citrus Ltd., Toronto, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the affected lot from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

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.

- 30 -

Media enquiries:

• Fact Sheet: Salmonella Food Safety Facts
• Audio Clips for Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts