Food Recall Issued on Listeria Contaminated Cantaloupe by Safeway

In the wake of a warning from the FDA informing consumers not to eat Rocky Ford-region cantaloupe, supermarket chain Safeway has issued a voluntary recall on the potentially contaminated fruit. The FDA sites possible Listeria contamination as the reason for the warning.

According to the CDC, at least 22 people throughout seven states have been infected with the outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes as of September 14th. The cant elope in question are marketed as Jumbo Cantaloupes grown in the Rocky Ford region, supplied by Jensen Farms.

The recalled produce was sold in the states of Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico (Aztec and Farmington), South Dakota and Wyoming between August 30 and September 6. Safeway is instructing that its customers who purchased the recalled cantaloupe and still have it in their homes should discard it or return it for a full refund.

According to the company, all contaminated melons have now been removed from store shelves and their current supply of cantaloupes is not from Jensen Farms. The produce on shelves is now considered safe.

Listeriosis can be fatal, especially in older adults, people with compromised immune systems and certain chronic medical conditions (such as cancer). Unborn babies and newborns are also at a higher risk from this infection. Pregnant women are also at a high risk as listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and serious illness or death in newborn babies.

Customers who have questions about the recall can contact Jensen Farms via email at recall@rfordcantaloupe.com or phone 1-800-267-4561 between the hours of 9am and 4pm MT. They can also contact Safeway at 1-800-SAFEWAY.