K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following health alert is from the FDA on February 23, 2007.

Castle Produce, a subsidiary of Tropical Produce, Inc., a wholesale importer of fresh fruit and vegetables announced the recall of cantaloupes in California due to potential health concerns. Some cantaloupes delivered on or after 2/16/2007 have tested positive for Salmonella, although no illnesses have been reported. Approximately 2,560 cartons of cantaloupes were distributed to wholesalers in Los Angeles and San Francisco for distribution in the Western United States. The cantaloupes have a light green color skin on the exterior, with orange flesh. The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk in cardboard cartons, with 9, 12 or 15 cantaloupes to a carton. The recalled cartons are natural brown cardboard with "Tropifresh de Costa Rica" in green and orange lettering. They have a thirteen-digit number on a white tag pasted to the carton; the tenth digit is a 2 or a 3.

The following health alert is from the FDA on February 16, 2007.

Dole Fresh Fruit Company announced the recall of cantaloupes in the Eastern U.S. and Quebec due to potential health concerns. Some cantaloupes packed on January 25, 26 and 27, 2007 by an independent, third-party grower in Costa Rica have tested positive for Salmonella. Although no illnesses have been reported, Dole voluntarily has decided to recall all cantaloupes imported from Costa Rica and packed by that grower. Approximately 6,104 cartons of cantaloupes were distributed to wholesalers in regions of the eastern United States and Quebec between February 5 and February 8, 2007. The cantaloupes have a light green color skin on the exterior, with orange flesh. The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk in cardboard cartons, with 9, 12 or 15 cantaloupes to a carton. The recalled cartons are dark brown with "Dole Cantaloupes" in red lettering. They have a thirteen-digit number on a white tag pasted to the carton; the tenth digit is a 2. The recall is a result of a random test by the company. Consumers who have uneaten cantaloupe purchased in the eastern United States or Quebec, on or after February 5, 2007, may contact their retail store to see if the product is the recalled brand. Consumers with additional questions should contact the Dole Consumer Center at (800) 232-8888.

Ed. note (2/23/07): Additional recalled fruit has been sold in Ontaria, Canada. A list of stores can be found at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2007/20070222e.shtml.