Risk of Salmonella from Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupes

EHS Circular Letter # 2008-20

Date: March 24, 2008

To: Local Directors of Health
Chief Sanitarians
Certified Food Inspectors
Interested Parties


From: Tracey Weeks, MS, RS; Food Protection Program


Subject: Risk of Salmonella from Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers, distributors, and the foodservice industry to avoid consuming cut cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer. The cut cantaloupe is believed to be associated with a current outbreak of Salmonella Litchfield in the United States and Canada. To date, 50 illnesses of Salmonella Litchfield have been reported in 16 states and 9 illnesses reported in Canada. No
cases have been identified in Connecticut at this time.

Specific information regarding distribution in Connecticut is not available, however, FDA states the product was shipped nationwide. The Department of Consumer Protection is aware of the recall and is evaluating distribution. Consumers are advised to contact the place of purchase to determine if the cantaloupe purchased originated from Agropecuaria Montelibano.

The FPP will notify local health departments of updated information regarding the Agropecuaria Montelibano cantaloupe warning and products associated with it as it becomes available. If you identify establishments that have received this product or have questions concerning this warning, contact the Department of Consumer Protection Food and Standards Division at (860) 713-6160.

Refer any cases of reported foodborne illness to their physicians for appropriate evaluation and testing, and forward a completed copy of the Foodborne Illness Complaint Form, as warranted.




cc: Suzanne Blancaflor, MS, Chief, Environmental Health Section, DPH
Pamela Kilbey-Fox, Branch Chief, Local Health Administration Branch, DPH
William Gerrish, Office of Planning and Communications, DPH