Michigan Company Recalls Cantaloupes For Possible Listeria Contamination

Two produce recalls involving two West Michigan companies have prompted the Kent County Health Department to spread the word about Listeria.  Both recalls happened within the past month. Food Safety News reported Aug. 18 that Buurma Farms had recalled fresh cilantro sold to distributors in MI and shipped to outlets there and in IL, OH and Indiana.  Then, two weeks ago, Heeren Brothers in Grand Rapids recalled more than 5,000 cantaloupes from its facility.  Both recalls were due to a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Anyone who bought the recalled food products is being advised to throw them out.  No illnesses have been reported so far, according to the Kent County Health Department.  Listeria can be especially dangerous and even deadly for babies, older adults, people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women. It can be carried for as long as 10 weeks before symptoms start to appear.  Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, stomach cramping and vomiting. It can also cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.  Anyone who develops any of the symptoms and may have eaten any of the recalled products is advised to call their doctor immediately. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics.