Firm Recall/State Recall

Nogales, Ariz., -- December 1, 2006 --- Farmer’s Best International on behalf of Agroproductos San Rafael is announcing the recall of cantaloupes under the Lucia label brand 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 thtal 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 sever illness such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditic and arthritis. If individuals believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness, FDA recommends that they seek medical advice.

Approximately three hundred and thirty six (336) cartons of cantaloupes were distributed in New York City and Boston between November 1 and November 4, 2006 no product was sold internationally. This cantaloupe was distributed for sale in 1-1/9 bushel cartons with 12 cantaloupes to a carton, under the Lucia label. The cantaloupes are straw-colored on the exterior, with orange flesh. As of this date there have been no reported outbreaks of illness due to our product.

• Farmer’s Best and Agroproductos San Rafael are working together with the FDA to investigate and identify the source of the problem.
• Farmer’s Best has had forty (40) years in this business with no previous food safety issues.

The recall was a result of a routine sampling program by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration on October 31, 2006. The laboratory analysis revealed that a portion of the products contained the bacteria. Farmer’s Best International ceased distribution of this product as soon as the FDA apprised the company of a potential problem.

Consumers who have purchased Lucia brand cantaloupes are urged to return them to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact Farmer’s Best International at
(520) 281-1411.