Killer cantaloupe

[marmar]

(CNN) -- In the wake of a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis linked to bacteria-tainted cantaloupe, authorities assured the public that cantaloupe grown in places other than Colorado's Jensen Farms is safe.

But if in doubt about a fruit's origin, they said, it's best to throw it out.

The outbreak -- blamed on the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes -- was first reported September 12. As of Wednesday, it had grown to 72 cases in 18 states and had killed 13 people, officials with the Centers for Disease Control said. The number of cases is expected to rise, as it can take one to three weeks for a person who ingests the bacteria to show symptoms.

All of the tainted cantaloupes were grown at Jensen Farms in Granada, Colorado, although they were shipped to 17 states -- Illinois, Wyoming, Tennessee, Utah, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/29/health/cantaloupe-listeria/?hpt=he_c1

[fasttense]

1. Thank God we grow our own melons.

The bugs and powder mildew were hell on them but we still got some really good melons.

[JackintheGreen]

2. Sigh...most of our melons were lost to mold and bugs

I don't remember exactly how many we got, but the pickled watermelon rind in my fridge suggests we only salvaged two of those.

But I guess this means no store bought melons this year.

[seabeyond]

3. i have wanted a canaloupe for last couple weeks and only remember the headlines

i have read the info... so, i think i will wait a week or two more.

[appleannie1]

4. I buy only local produce during the summer. It is fresher, safe and tastes better.