Health
SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Ron Chapman this week warned people not to eat certain DFI brand cantaloupes because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The Salmonella contamination was identified during routine surveillance tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and to date, no illnesses have been associated with these cantaloupes.
DFI Marketing Inc. of Huron, Calif., initiated a voluntary recall of 28,000 cartons of bulk cantaloupes after being informed of the Salmonella contamination.
The recalled cantaloupes were sold between Aug. 27, 2012, and Sept. 10, 2012, at retail locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Mexico.
The cantaloupes were packed in cases of 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 melons under the DFI brand with, “826 California Westside” stamped on the carton. Individual cantaloupes are affixed with a small sticker that states “DFI, Huron, CA.”
Description: DFICantaloupes CrateWhile it is unlikely that many of these recalled cantaloupes are still being sold, CDPH is concerned that consumers may still have some of the recalled cantaloupes in their homes.
Consumers in possession of these recalled cantaloupes should discard them or return them to the store of purchase for a refund.
Anyone handling the recalled cantaloupes should promptly wash their hands with soap and warm water to ensure they do not become exposed to any Salmonella bacteria that may be present.
The cantaloupes being recalled by DFI Marketing are not related to prior recalls of cantaloupes by Chamberlain Farms in Indiana or Burch Equipment in North Carolina.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea which may be bloody. Most infected people recover within a week.
Some may develop complications that require hospitalization. Infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for more severe illness.
CDPH recommends consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products should consult their health care provider.
Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll-free complaint line at 800-495-3232.
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UKIAH, Calif. – Four pink fire trucks filled with firefighters dressed in pink and towing a giant ribbon will be making their way to Alex Thomas Plaza on Wednesday, Sept. 19, to bring help and hope to those in our community dealing with cancer.
Unlike other organizations the funds that are raised by the Pink Heals Fire Trucks stay in the communities they visit, which is one of the reasons that Diane Pulliam, event organizer had a passion to bring them to Ukiah.
“I happened to be on Facebook and saw someone post something about the Pink Heals fire trucks. I did some research and thought this would be an awesome way to build community involvement and help support our Cancer Resource Center of Mendocino County at the same time. I’ve been working on this for almost a year now, and am tickled pink, to say it’s actually happening,” shared Pulliam.
When asked what her reasons were for supporting the Cancer Resource Center Pulliam said, “In December of 2008 I was diagnosed with inflammatory Ductal Carcinoma, stage 3. The Cancer Resource Center, my local doctors, and Ukiah Valley Medical Center all helped me get the care and support I needed. I really want to give back to the Cancer Resource Center since they helped me when I was diagnosed. Residents in our community need to understand how lucky we are to have a local resource like the Cancer Resource Center.”
Pulliam added, “Once the Pink Heals reach Alex Thomas Plaza there will be a parade of emergency service vehicles, including the Pink fire trucks, kids’ games, bounce house, food, Pink Glam Contest and free informational booths about resources our community has for those dealing with cancer.”
In addition to the main event the Pink Heals fire trucks will also be making a scheduled stop at Ukiah Valley Medical Center.
“I’m excited,” said Russell Hardy, M.D., oncologist at the Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center, “It really inspires patients to let them know someone cares about them and can have a positive influence on their outcomes.”
That’s a sentiment also shared by UVMC CEO, Gwen Matthews. “This is really going to be fun and encouraging to our guests, and we are grateful that the Pink Heals have chosen to make Ukiah Valley Medical Center a destination on their journey through Ukiah.”
Pink Heals is an organization that was started by Dave Graybill, a former pro athlete, retired firefighter, philanthropist and founder of the international Pink Heals movement.
Ukiah will be part of a 73-city Pink Heals tour which began on July 28 and will conclude on Oct. 15 in Phoenix.
The Pink Heals fire trucks will be on the UVMC campus from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Festivities at Alex Thomas Plaza will begin at noon and end at 6:30 p.m.
For more information contact Diane Pulliam at 707-485-0994.
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