Colorado health officials warned people especially vulnerable to listeriosis, a bacterial infection marked by fever and muscle aches, to avoid the suspected melons: Although washing and drying produce is a good practice, it does not reduce the chance of listeriosis for those who are at high risk.
How do you clean cantaloupe listeria?
Foodborne illness prevention
Wash your cantaloupe: By scrubbing the exterior of the fruit with antibacterial soap, you can remove harmful bacteria from the rind before you cut into it.
Is listeria inside or outside the cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe rinds are full of nooks and crannies, each perfect for harboring bacteria and allowing it to flourish, Tocco said. Because many food-borne pathogens — E. coli, salmonella, listeria — are found in soil, the layer of plastic can give a slight food-safety edge over melons grown on dirt, Tocco said.
Should I wash a melons before cutting?
Always wash melons and your other produce completely. This will help you remove any germs from the outside before you start cutting. Make sure that the knives and cutting boards you use are also clean. Always wash your hands before doing the cutting!
Can you wash cut cantaloupe?
Produce washes are not harmful, but are not necessary. Wash equipment and utensils that will come in contact with cut melons (e.g., cutting boards, knives, etc.) thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse, sanitize, and air-dry.
Can you get food poisoning from a cantaloupe?
Fruits grown on the ground such as cantaloupe (rockmelon), watermelon and honeydew melon have a high risk of causing food poisoning due to Listeria bacteria, which can grow on the rind and spread to the flesh ( 35 ).
Can cantaloupe cause listeria?
CDC recommends that persons at high risk for listeriosis, including older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, do not eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms. Other consumers who want to reduce their risk of Listeria infection should not eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms.
How do you prevent Listeria in cantaloupe?
To help prevent infection, the CDC recommends you do the following:
- Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
- Scrub farm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Is it safe to eat cantaloupe rind?
Eating thin skin of various fruits and vegetables increases the nutrient and fiber content, however, thick skins such as those found on melons are not intended to be eaten. Be sure to rinse melons under cold running water to remove any bacteria or dirt on the surface of the skin.
How soon do you get symptoms of Listeria?
Symptoms of intestinal illness usually start within 24 hours after eating food contaminated with Listeria and usually last 1–3 days. Symptoms are usually mild. However, some people with intestinal illness develop invasive illness.
What makes cantaloupe even more susceptible to bacteria?
Cantaloupe is at greater risk of contamination because of its unique netted rind. The spaces between the netting can trap bacteria and make them harder to remove.
When should you not eat cantaloupe?
How To Tell If Cantaloupe Is Bad?
- Feel light, hollow, or super soft. If the melon seems empty inside or the rind is soft, it’s lost most of its water and it’s no good.
- Have large bruises or discolored areas.
- Smell off.
- Are cut up and sit in storage for too long or are moldy.
Can you get salmonella from cantaloupe?
Unlike other fruits, cantaloupe are not acidic and readily support the growth of pathogens once they are sliced open. Outbreaks of illness linked to melons contaminated with Salmonella are an unfortunate occurrence each year.
Should you refrigerate cantaloupe after cutting?
Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
How common is Listeria in food?
Foodborne listeriosis is one of the most serious and severe foodborne diseases. It is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. It is a relatively rare disease with 0.1 to 10 cases per 1 million people per year depending on the countries and regions of the world.
Why does my cantaloupe taste like nail polish remover?
These fruits, if grown naturally, are not good stored. You can taste the stored ones straight away, they either have no flavour or they develop an acetone taste akin to nail varnish.
Why do I throw up after eating cantaloupe?
If you have an allergy to cantaloupe, even eating a few bites could trigger symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, many common symptoms occur within the digestive system; these symptoms include itching of the mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
Is it okay to eat a whole cantaloupe?
It also contains a bunch of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other good stuff. Two things surprised me when I read the data. First, an entire cantaloupe is only 188 calories. Second, for people who look for protein (I don’t), I was surprised to see that it contains 4.6 grams of the stuff.
Can you get sick from overripe cantaloupe?
The bacteria have a long incubation period, which means that it may take as long as four weeks for people who have eaten contaminated cantaloupe to feel ill. Listeriosis typically causes fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Can you taste Listeria?
Listeria can be found in oil, water and plants, but you cannot see, smell or taste it. Different than other bacteria, listeria can grow in the refrigerator and in warm food. It’s commonly linked to raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products and ready-to-eat food, such as deli meat, hot dogs and soft cheeses.
How do you remove fruit from Listeria?
Consumers are advised to wash all fruits and vegetables under running water just before eating, cutting or cooking, even if you plan to peel the produce first. Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.