13 deaths and 72 illnesses linked to contaminated cantaloupes

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 deaths and 72 illnesses have been linked to a listeria outbreak caused by contaminated cantaloupes grown at Jensen Farms in Colorado.

The recalled cantaloupes were distributed to stores in 24 states, including California.  Reports of illness have come from 18 states, also including California.

Contaminated cantaloupes should have stickers stating “Rocky Ford,” “Sweet Rocky Fords,” “Colorado Grown,” “Jensenfarms.com,” or “Distributed by Frontera Produce.”

Officials say that the strain of listeria bacteria from the contaminated cantaloupes is most likely to affect people with compromised immune systems and the elderly.  The median age of people who have become ill from consuming the cantaloupe was reported to be 78-years old.

If you or someone you love has become ill from consuming a contaminated food product, contact the San Diego product liability lawyers of Ritter & Associates by calling 619-296-0123 today.