Listeria Outbreak from Cantaloupe Kills 21

Deaths from the recent Listeria outbreak has reached 21, according to the CDC.  This runaway killer, thought to be caused by Listeria-infected cantaloupe, has been raging since early September.

So far, the Listeria infection has spread to 24 states and has sickened more than 100 people. Health officials believe that the infected cantaloupes were grown at Jensen Farms in Colorado. The first recall for these cantaloupes was issued on September 14 by Jensen Farms.
Unfortunately, the problem had spread far beyond Colorado. 

A second recall was issued by September 23 by Carol’s Cuts LLC in Kansas, who had sold products made from Jensen Farm’s cantaloupes. Still a third recall was issued by Fresh Fruit Up in New York, who had shipped out fruit that included Jensen Farm’s cantaloupes.

More recalls will probably be forthcoming.

And how, exactly, did those cantaloupes pick up listeria?

According to Medline Plus, Listeria is a “foodborne illness” caused by bacteria in water and soil. Unlike other bacterias, Listeria monocytogenes grows even during refrigeration.

Yes, but what did Jensen Farms do (or not do) with their cantaloupe to cause this Listeria outbreak? I would really like to know.

In the meantime, I’m really glad that I hate cantaloupe!