FDA Issues Letter of Guidance to Cantaloupe Industry
In the wake of one of the deadliest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a letter of guidance to the cantaloupe industry.
The cantaloupe Listeria outbreak, which sickened 139 people, killed 29 and caused one miscarriage, began in Colorado and spread through 28 states in less than two months. The source of the outbreak was Jensen Farms, Holly, Colo., where the FDA found a number of unsanitary conditions.
Listeria is a bacterium that can contaminate foods and, if ingested, cause severe, sometimes life-threatening illness. Fatality rates for listeriosis are between 20 percent and 30 percent. Those most at risk are the elderly, the immuno-compromised, fetuses and neonates.
Although tainted cantaloupe has been a source of other foodborne illness outbreaks, this is the first time the melon has ever been contaminated with Listeria. The sweeping and tragic scope of that new combination, prompted the FDA’s letter which acknowledges that many in the cantaloupe industry have taken actions to address food safety but encourages all to review their practices and to read the following agency publications:
- “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Melons”
- “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables”
- “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables.”
- “Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Refrigerated or Frozen Ready-To-Eat Foods.”
