Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes; tips on safe food practices

Opinion

Related Photos

LaDell Emmons

September 5, 2012

Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes; tips on safe food practices

By LaDell Emmons Special Correspondent The McAlester News-Capital Wed Sep 05, 2012, 11:39 PM CDT

McALESTER — A recent multistate outbreak of salmonella linked to cantaloupes is prompting reminders on the safe handling of fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, but properly handling fresh produce will help keep you and your family safe.

Most people who become sick with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours, and the illness usually runs its course in four to seven days. Although most recover without treatment, anyone who thinks they might have become ill from a possibly contaminated cantaloupe should contact a health care provider.

Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The rate of diagnosed infections in children younger than 5 years old is higher than the rate in all other people. Young children, older adults and those with compromised immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections. An estimated 400 people die each year with acute salmonellosis.

Cantaloupes from Chamberlain Farms Produce, Inc., Owensville, Ind., were voluntarily recalled in August because they could be a source in a recent outbreak of salmonella infections. The fruit was initially shipped to Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin; however, further shipment was likely, according to available records.

The Centers for Disease Control instructed consumers who may have purchased the cantaloupes to not eat the fruit and to discard it. However, the agency stated consumers could continue to purchase and eat cantaloupes that did not originate with Chamberlain Farms.

To determine the growing area of a cantaloupe, check the sticker on the fruit. If there is not an identifying sticker, ask the retailer about the source. If there is any doubt, throw the cantaloupe away in a closed plastic bag in a sealed trashcan. Washing it will not completely eliminate the contamination, and cutting it could lead to transferring dangerous bacteria from the fruit’s surface to the edible part of the fruit.

Generally, keeping fresh produce safe begins at the market. Consumers should avoid buying fruits and vegetables that are bruised or damaged, and should only purchase pre-cut produce such as half a watermelon or bagged salad if it has been refrigerated or surrounded by ice.

Bag these items separately from meat, poultry and seafood when packing them to take home from the store or market.

At home, keep all perishable fruits and vegetables in a clean refrigerator set at 40 F or below. When you get ready to eat and prepare your fresh produce, start by washing your hands. Be sure to keep cutting boards, dishes and other utensils used for raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from produce you don’t plan to cook.

After cutting away any damaged or bruised areas on the produce, wash it thoroughly under running water, even if you are planning to peel it before eating. Use a scrub brush on any produce item that will not be bruised by the scrubbing process. Then dry the food with a clean towel or paper towel to further reduce exposure to bacteria. Use a clean knife for cutting. It is not necessary to wash pre-cut, ready-to-eat produce such as bagged lettuce if the package states that it has already been washed.

For more information in Pittsburg County, call 918-423-4120 or log onto www.oces.okstate.edu/pittsburg.

LaDell Emmons is the Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Educator for the Pittsburg County Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Contact her at ladell.emmons@okstate.edu.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Eufaula Classic crossed the line
Aggression cross the line into violence Saturday at the 29th annual Lake Eufaula All-Star Classic, but who's to blame?

May 21, 2013 3 Photos
Want better roads? Vote 'yes'
McAlester’s roads are a mess. There’s no question about that. But it’s up to voters Tuesday to fix the problem anytime in the near future.

May 11, 2013 1 Photo 1 Story
District 7 state Sen. Larry Boggs, R-Red Oak: Capitol Report
Hi neighbors.
According to Oklahoma’s Constitution, the Legislature must conclude its work by no later than 5 p.m. on the last Friday in May. But that hasn’t always been the case.

May 8, 2013 1 Photo
Jason Collins should open floodgates
The life of every gay athlete got a whole lot easier Monday, when center Jason Collins became the first openly gay player in the NBA. Collins, a free agent when this season ends, played for the Boston Celtics and then Washington Wizards this season.

April 30, 2013 1 Photo
Joy destroyed at Boston Marathon
The crowds have always made the Boston Marathon a joyful event to watch, and probably also in which to participate. All those good vibes were lost on Monday when terrorists detonated two bombs near the race’s finish line, killing three and wounding approximately 175 more.

April 16, 2013 2 Photos
Rutgers must purge itself of Mike Rice
Rutgers University took its first step forward on Monday when it chose former dean Carl Kirschner to take over as temporary athletic director following the resignation of Tim Pernetti. Kirschner will have to find a full-time AD, who will then have to find a men’s basketball coach to replace the disgraced Mike Rice.

April 9, 2013
District 7 state Sen. Larry Boggs, R-Red Oak: Capitol Report
Last week was a slow one in the Senate as we were still waiting for House bills to be assigned to Senate committees. March 28th is the first deadline for double-assigned House bills. We then have until April 4th to take action on single-assigned bills and until April 11th to report double-assigned bills out of committee.

April 4, 2013 1 Photo
Editorial:
It looks as though the state’s prison employees are getting the short end of the stick — again.
Tuesday, the House tabled a bill that would have given all state prison workers a 5 percent pay hike. Starting pay for correctional officers would have gone to $14 per hour, up from a staggering-low of $11.83.

March 18, 2013
Most passive immunity occurs in the first 6 Hours
As calving season continues in Pittsburg County, let’s re-visit the importance of passive immunity via colostrum (mother’s milk).

February 27, 2013
State fifth highest in sales tax rates
There was a time when the federal government relied on income taxes for its revenue stream, state and local government got sales taxes, and county government and schools relied on property taxes.

February 20, 2013
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Related Photos

Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes; tips on safe food practices

Site Map

Contact Us