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There is an investigation into a possible salmonella outbreak in Australia linked to rockmelon. Picture: Thinkstock
ELEVEN more cases of salmonella linked to rockmelon from a Northern Territory farm have been identified, taking the figure nationally to 97.
Katherine-based company Red Dirt Melons has taken its rockmelons off the shelves after the salmonella hvittingfoss bacteria was found on its fruit this week, with a number of young children among those to fall ill in the past seven weeks.
From June 14, when the increase began to August 2, 86 cases were first reported nationally (43 in NSW, 18 in SA, 9 in WA, 8 in Queensland, 6 in Victoria and 2 in the ACT).
The rising cases of salmonella come after pregnant women, infants and the elderly have been warned not to eat rockmelon — also known as cantaloupe — due to the outbreak.
Those mainly affected include children under the age of five and the elderly. There have been no deaths reported.
The Australian Melon Association said the uncommon strain had caused a number of people to become ill; a majority of which occurred in the greater Sydney metropolitan area.
The Melon Association said the rare strain is usually found in parts of northern Queensland.
State and industry authorities are meeting to discuss the ongoing health issue.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), in consultation with state and territory food regulators, is coordinating a trade recall of whole rockmelons from Red Dirt, a rockmelon grower in the Northern Territory.
“The relevant state enforcement agency is working with the company to ensure implicated product is removed from distribution. This follows some rockmelons from Red Dirt testing positive for Salmonella in samples tested in South Australia. The strain of Salmonella in the samples has not yet been determined,†a FSANZ statement read.
“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.
“Regulatory authorities have investigated possible food sources of the increase and have tested samples of rockmelon, leading to the detection in the rockmelons in South Australia.
“If you are feeling unwell and suspect you have consumed affected product, please seek medical attention.â€