OTTAWA, November 27, 2009 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume Melon Up! brand Large Seedless Watermelons described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The following product is affected by this alert:
Brand: Melon Up!
Large Seedless Watermelons, PLU# 4032
Product of Mexico
UPC: 0 33383 40240 6
This product has been distributed in British Columbia.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a food borne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.
The importer, Freshpoint Vancouver Ltd., Vancouver, BC, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
For information on Salmonella, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/salmonellae.shtml
For more information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA's Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp
For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.
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Media Inquiries:
CFIA Media Relations:
613-773-6600
