According to the manufacturer Jensen Farms has issued a recall on shipments of Rocky Ford whole cantaloupes as they may be contaminated with Listeria. The cantaloupes in question were shipped between July 29 2011 and September 10 2011 and have a green a white sticker that says Product of USA – Frontera Produce – Colorado Fresh – Rocky Ford – Cantaloupe or a sticker that says Jensen Farms – Sweet Rocky Fords. Jensen can be reached by phone at 1-800-267-4561.
Update: The original recall has been expanded to include the states of Indiana Louisiana and Wisconsin.
Commentary
Listeriosis the infection typically caused by eating contaminated food is a serious illness that is specifically dangerous for pregnant women newborns and people with weak immune systems. The CDC estimates 1600 people are infected by the disease of which 260 die. In other words this recall should be adhered to by everyone. Farming companies just like any other have a responsibility to sell safe products to their customers. When a risk like this occurs the corporation could face liability in personal injury or wrongful death claims. Again my readers are encouraged to check their produce and stop any consumption if they believe they have purchased any of the cantaloupes.
Update: I wanted to share with everyone that Dallas County Health and Human Services believe they have linked a local death to one of the tainted cantaloupes. While an independent expert would be needed to link the fruit to this death survivors of the victim could have standing in a wrongful death claim as this farms shipment of tainted crops could be the proximate cause. These types of claims are tricky as they involve entities all over the nation and require scientists to verify the contaminated crop but can go a long way in compensating the loss of a loved one.
Texas Product Liability Attorney Michael Grossman
