FDA recalls cantaloupes grown in Honduras

Over the past two weeks the Food and Drug Administration has made 11 separate recalls of cantaloupes produced by a Honduran grower and packer, which have been linked to cases of Salmonella. According to the agency, there have been reports of 50 illnesses in 16 states (and a further nine cases in Canada), which are linked to consumption of the cantaloupes. The melons are from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a grower that produces 2.5 million boxes of cantaloupes each year for the United States.

The recalls involve whole as well as cut fruit from a variety of companies including Fresh Express, Chiquita, Tropifresh, Bounty Fresh and Simply Fresh, among others.  If you have recently bought cantaloupe, the FDA advises you to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this Honduran grower. If so, throw it out immediately.

Find seven tips for safer cantaloupe consumption on Consumer Reports' health blog.