Rio Vista, Ltd. Recalls Cantaloupes Nationwide Because of Possible Health Risk

WASHINGTON , D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Contact:
Walter Ram
1-520-375-7428

Rio Vista, Ltd., of Rio Rico, Arizona, is voluntarily recalling its Llano and Nature's Partner brand cantaloupes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, although no illnesses have been reported to date. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more serious illnesses. If individuals believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming this cantaloupe, FDA recommends that they seek medical advice.

Approximately, 62,640 cartons of cantaloupes were distributed in the U.S. and a small quantity went to Canada from October 31 to November 6, 2006. The cantaloupes were distributed for sale in bulk in cardboard cartons containing from 6 to 15 cantaloupes to a carton. The cantaloupes are straw-colored on the exterior, with orange flesh.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") on October 31 and November 10, 2006. The laboratory analysis revealed that a portion of the products contained Salmonella. Rio Vista began withdrawing the products on November 6, 2006. In cooperation with FDA, Rio Vista is taking immediate steps to identify the source of contamination and eliminate it.

Consumers who have purchased Llano or Nature's Partner cantaloupes are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who have purchased cantaloupes may contact the place of purchase to ask if the store sold the recalled brands. Consumers with questions may contact Rio Vista at 1-520-375-7428.