Authorities are coordinating a nation-wide recall of rockmelons from a Northern Territory grower
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand is coordinating a nation-wide recall of rockmelons from a Northern Territory grower.
The move comes after samples of Red Dirt rockmelons tested positive for an undetermined strain of salmonella.
“The relevant state enforcement agency is working with the company to ensure implicated product is removed from distribution,” the standards organisation said in a statement.
Rockmelon was implicated in the sudden rise in salmonella hvittingfoss infections among young children and the elderly.
A total of 86 cases of poisoning with the rare strain of salmonella have been reported across Australia since mid-June.
Interviews conducted by authorities revealed that rockmelon consumption was common in many cases.
In the course of investigating possible food sources of the disease, authorities tested the Red Dirt rockmelons in South Australia.
Consumers are advised to discard any rockmelon in their home, particularly if it is intended for infants, the elderly, pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems.
