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Timco Worldwide Recalls Seedless Watermelons

US Food and Drug Administration -- Firm Press Release

By News Staff Member
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Davis, CA — Timco Worldwide Inc. is recalling a limited number of its Large Seedless Watermelons because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this occurrence.

The Large Seedless Watermelons included in this voluntary recall were distributed to select grocers, wholesalers and processors in California and Texas.

Seedless watermelon. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons/Scehardt.)

The Large Seedless Watermelons are stickered with the "MelonUp!" label with the PLU (Price Look Up) # 4032 and UPC # 0 33383 40240 6.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing, by a distribution company, which revealed the presence of Salmonella on the outside rind of a melon randomly selected for testing.

Timco Worldwide Inc. elected to exercise an abundance of caution and initiate the recall in the interest of public health. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this occurrence.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal 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 severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Consumers who have purchased Large Seedless Watermelons in the markets noted above (with the MelonUp! label) are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-530-757-1000 press "4" for Food Safety. (Hours of business are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.)

As with all fresh fruits and vegetables, Timco Worldwide Inc recommends that fresh melons are washed before cutting and/or consuming them.