DOLE RECALLS CANTALOUPES IN US AND CANADA OVER SALMONELLA

The Dole Fresh Fruit Co., recalled several thousand cartons of imported cantaloupes Friday (2/16/2007) after the fruit tested positive for salmonella.  The recall covers the Eastern U.S. and the Canadian province of Quebec. 

A spokesman for Dole said there have been no reports of illness due to the contaminated cantaloupes, which were grown in Costa Rica.  The company stated the recall covered about 6,104 cartons of contaloupes distributed to wholesalers between February 5th to the 8th. 

The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk cardboard cartons, with 9, 12 or 15 cantaloupes to a carton.   They have a 13-digit number on a white tag pasted to the carton and the tenth digit is 2.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends consumers wash the outer surface of cantaloupes and other melons with cool tap water before slicing into them.  If they are not washed, the cutting and any subsequent handling can spread contamination fromt he outer skin to the flesh of the fruit.

ROYAL FOOD SERVICE DOES NOT HAVE ANY OF THE PRODUCT IN QUESTION.