FDA recalls tainted Indiana cantaloupes

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Federal officials are recalling cantaloupes from an Indiana grower that may be one source of a multi-state outbreak of salmonellosis.

The cantaloupes from Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Ind., were shipped to seven states in the central United States, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

The agency warned consumers not to eat cantaloupes from the producer and to throw away any they have from Chamberlain.

Records indicate the fruit was shipped to Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin. Shipment to other states was likely, the FDA said.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours after infection. Most people recover within a week without treatment, although severe cases may require hospitalization.

The illness is most likely to affect children.

About 178 people in 21 states have been sickened by the outbreak strain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Nationwide, 62 individuals had been hospitalized. Two deaths were reported in Kentucky.

Chamberlain Farms has agreed to withdraw the cantaloupes from the market and stop distributing cantaloupes for the rest of the growing season.