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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/03/rockmelon-warning-after-spike-in-salmonella-cases-in-australia
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| NT rockmelon farm linked to nationwide salmonella outbreak NT rockmelon farm linked to nationwide salmonella outbreak | |
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| A Northern Territory rockmelon farm has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has affected more than 80 people across Australia. | A Northern Territory rockmelon farm has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has affected more than 80 people across Australia. |
| South Australian health authorities have confirmed that Salmonella had been detected on rockmelons supplied by the company, Red Dirt, based in Katherine, southeast of Darwin. | South Australian health authorities have confirmed that Salmonella had been detected on rockmelons supplied by the company, Red Dirt, based in Katherine, southeast of Darwin. |
| The NSW Food Authority said in a statement on Wednesday it was working with the local NT health agency and the company to remove the fruit from the supply chain in a trade-level recall. Red Dirt has said it will undertake this recall. | The NSW Food Authority said in a statement on Wednesday it was working with the local NT health agency and the company to remove the fruit from the supply chain in a trade-level recall. Red Dirt has said it will undertake this recall. |
| It advised that rockmelons available for purchase were not implicated in the outbreak, but those already in homes or of uncertain origin should not be eaten. | It advised that rockmelons available for purchase were not implicated in the outbreak, but those already in homes or of uncertain origin should not be eaten. |
| Pregnant women, infants, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems were those most at risk. | Pregnant women, infants, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems were those most at risk. |
| Food Standards Australia New Zealand, which is coordinating the states and territories’ investigation, told Guardian Australia: “While salmonella has been detected on rockmelon produced by Red Dirt, the source of the outbreak is unclear and the investigation is still under way.” | Food Standards Australia New Zealand, which is coordinating the states and territories’ investigation, told Guardian Australia: “While salmonella has been detected on rockmelon produced by Red Dirt, the source of the outbreak is unclear and the investigation is still under way.” |
| A spike in cases of the rare Hvittingfoss strain of Salmonella has been reported across a number of Australian states over the past weeks. | A spike in cases of the rare Hvittingfoss strain of Salmonella has been reported across a number of Australian states over the past weeks. |
| SA Health says 86 cases of Salmonella have been reported nationally, including 43 in NSW. 20 had been reported in SA since late June; on average, the state sees about two cases of Salmonella Hvittingfoss each year. | SA Health says 86 cases of Salmonella have been reported nationally, including 43 in NSW. 20 had been reported in SA since late June; on average, the state sees about two cases of Salmonella Hvittingfoss each year. |
| The Australian Melon Association said up to 80 people, most in the greater Sydney metropolitan area, had been affected, and that “other types of melons are not implicated”. | The Australian Melon Association said up to 80 people, most in the greater Sydney metropolitan area, had been affected, and that “other types of melons are not implicated”. |
| Rockmelons – also known as cantaloupes – have previously been linked to salmonella, with 50 cases linked to the Saintpaul strain reported in New South Wales in 2006. | Rockmelons – also known as cantaloupes – have previously been linked to salmonella, with 50 cases linked to the Saintpaul strain reported in New South Wales in 2006. |
| In America in 2011, rockmelon contaminated with listeria was linked to more than 20 deaths. | In America in 2011, rockmelon contaminated with listeria was linked to more than 20 deaths. |
| According to the NSW Food Authority, rockmelons can become contaminated with salmonella through contaminated water, fertiliser, contact with pests or animals or insufficient cleaning prior to sale | According to the NSW Food Authority, rockmelons can become contaminated with salmonella through contaminated water, fertiliser, contact with pests or animals or insufficient cleaning prior to sale |
| The risk can be minimised by purchasing only melons that are unbruised and undamaged. Fresh-cut produce should be kept refrigerated or surrounded by ice within two hours of peeling or cutting produce. | The risk can be minimised by purchasing only melons that are unbruised and undamaged. Fresh-cut produce should be kept refrigerated or surrounded by ice within two hours of peeling or cutting produce. |
| The NSW Food Authority also recommends washing rockmelons immediately before eating. | The NSW Food Authority also recommends washing rockmelons immediately before eating. |