Update on the HHS Investigation in Honduras

April 18, 2008 – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expects to shortly complete its investigation of the Honduran cantaloupe grower and packer, Agropecuaria Montelíbano.  HHS/FDA is working expeditiously to review documents and analyze data related to the investigation.

On March 21, 2008, HHS/FDA issued an Import Alert on Agropecuaria Montelíbano after epidemiological and trace-back investigations linked cantaloupes from that company to a salmonellosis outbreak in the United States, with 51 illnesses confirmed in 16 U.S. States.

A multidisciplinary team, which consisted of experts from both HHS/FDA and the HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently completed an on-site evaluation of Agropecuaria Montelíbano in Honduras.

The team worked with Honduran Government officials to evaluate the company's melon-growing fields and packing facilities.  Preliminary information from the investigation team reveals that there might be systemic problems at Agropecuaria Montelíbano that could have contributed to the outbreak.

HHS/FDA's investigation process is very thorough.  It includes the on-site visit to the firm in Honduras, the analysis of laboratory samples, and a review of the firm's documentation of policies and procedures.  Next steps could include an on-site verification of the implementation of corrective actions by the firm.

Customs officials will continue to refuse Agropecuaria Montelíbano's product at the United States borders until HHS/FDA lifts the Import Alert.  For the HHS/FDA to remove Agropecuaria Montelíbano from the import alert, HHS/FDA needs to verify the firm has taken the corrective measures necessary to ensure it is growing, processing and transporting cantaloupes in a way that does not cause the melons to be adulterated, that its product meets U.S. standards for food safety, and that specifically its cantaloupes do not contain Salmonella.

For more information:

• Archived Updates on the FDA Investigation in Honduras (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Last revised: May 07, 2008