Public Information Office
(603) 271-9391
July 31, 2012
Concord, NH – Burch Farms of North Carolina announced a recall of Athena cantaloupes because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness. NH Department of Health and Human Services is not aware of any illnesses associated with this recall.
Hannaford supermarkets has removed the product from its shelves but is advising customers of the recall. If they have a sticker the label should shay Burch Farm and read “Cantaloupe PLU 4319.” Customers should not consume these cantaloupes but return the item to stores or dispose of them and return the sticker for a full refund.
“Listeriosis can be a serious infection especially for pregnant women,” said Dr. José Montero, Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health Services. “Foods that are contaminated may not look, smell, or taste any different so there is no way to tell. The Food Protection Section here at Public Health is tracking this situation.”
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, so anyone who suspects they may have the illness should contact their healthcare provider.
For questions about listeriosis, contact the NH Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496. For more information about listeriosis, visit www.cdc.gov. For more information about the recall go to www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm.