Contaminated Cantaloupes Kill 8 People and Sicken 55

Since last week, the number of confirmed cases resulting from contaminated cantaloupes has doubled, and the toll is expected to rise. At least 55 people are ill and 8 have died in 14 states after eating cantaloupe tainted by the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. Listeria poses the greatest risk to people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns.
  
The contaminated melons came from the family-owned Jensen Farms in Holly, Colorado and were shipped between July 29 and September 10. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of the fruit on September 14 after an investigation.
 
Jensen Farms released a statement conveying their dismay that their farm was implicated in the Listeria outbreak, saying “Our hearts go out to those individuals and their families who have been affected by this terrible situation.” They are currently cooperating with the authorities.
 
“EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers food testing for companies, including farms,” says Joseph Frasca, Senior VP at EMSL. “Sick consumers are the obvious victims of food pathogens, but companies suffer as well.”
 
“The association of a company with a recall in the public consciousness is extremely difficult to overcome, but it can be avoided entirely with preventative measures, such as testing,” he continued.
 
 About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical Inc. is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, NVLAP, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX Department of State Health Services, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP

EMSL Analytical Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com