A Bi-Lo grocery store in Glennville, GA, is recalling freshcut cantaloupe three days after state officials notified the chain that a random sample collected at the store tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
- Cantaloupe chunks, sizes medium and large, in plastic bowls with lids;
- Cantaloupe halves in styrofoam trays wrapped in clear plastic;
- Cantaloupe slices in styrofoam trays wrapped in clear plastic;
- Mixed melon chunks, sizes medium and large, in plastic bowls with lids;
- Mixed fruit bowl, sizes medium and large, in plastic bowls with lids; and
- Fruit tray cantaloupe in plastic trays with lids.
Listeria monocytogenes is a microscopic organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals sickened by listeria may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. “Customers should not consume these products and should return them to the store for a full refund. To receive the refund, customers may present proof of purchase through a receipt or the product-packaging label,” according to the recall notice. “Bi-Lo (store number) 5744 has been fully compliant with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and has sanitized all areas of the store as requested, as well as the complete withdrawal and destruction of all fresh cantaloupe products within the affected sell-by date range.” (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)