Food
Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport Infections Potentially Linked to Cantaloupe Grown at Chamberlain Farms in Southwest Indiana
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Update: This investigation has been transferred to the CORE Post-Response Team for appropriate follow-up activities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections. We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill. We recognize that people will be concerned about this outbreak, and we will continue to provide updates and advice. What is the Problem?The FDA is investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport potentially linked to cantaloupe from Chamberlain Farms, of Owensville, Indiana. Samples of cantaloupe taken by FDA at the farm have shown the presence of these outbreak strains: Salmonella Typhimurium (DNA fingerprint 0324) and Salmonella Newport (DNA fingerprint 0807). Additionally, the State of Indiana has reported that sampling of watermelon from a field on Chamberlain Farms showed the presence of Salmonella Newport with a different DNA fingerprint (0149). Illnesses of Salmonella Newport (DNA fingerprint 0149) are also being investigated, though there is currently no evidence linking them to Chamberlain Farms. |
What are the Symptoms of Salmonellosis?
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
Who is at Risk?
Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate in all other persons. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections. It is estimated that approximately 400 persons die each year with acute salmonellosis.
Where was the cantaloupe distributed?
Records currently available indicate that the cantaloupe was initially shipped to Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin although further shipment was likely. The FDA urges consumers in any state who are buying or have recently bought cantaloupe to ask their retailers if the cantaloupe was grown on Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Indiana.
What is Being Done About the Problem?
In late August 2012, after officials from the FDA and the state of Indiana briefed Chamberlain Farms on the current status of the investigation, Chamberlain Farms made the decision to recall its cantaloupe from the market place.
Earlier in August, Chamberlain Farms had agreed to withdraw the cantaloupe from the market, and to cease distributing cantaloupes for the rest of the growing season. However, the decision to recall the product facilitates removal of the product from the market and ensures the widest possible awareness of this action.
From August 14-16, 2012, FDA investigators collected samples of cantaloupe at Chamberlain Farms. They also took samples in the farm’s cantaloupe packinghouse from surfaces that would likely harbor bacteria. This action was taken in cooperation with the Indiana State Department of Health. FDA samples of cantaloupe collected at Chamberlain Farms show the presence of Salmonella Typhimurium with a DNA fingerprint (0324) that is the same as the outbreak strain, which has sickened 240 people in 25 states.
These samples also show the presence of Salmonella Newport with a DNA fingerprint (0807) that is from the same as an outbreak strain that has sickened 30 people in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. The link was supported by trace back information collected by state officials in Indiana and Illinois showing that patients consumed cantaloupe bought at stores supplied by Chamberlain Farms.
Additionally, the State of Indiana has reported that sampling of watermelon from a field at Chamberlain Farms showed the presence of Salmonella Newport with a DNA fingerprint (0149) that is being investigated by the CDC and FDA. There currently is no evidence linking illnesses associated with this outbreak strain and Chamberlain Farms. However, Chamberlain Farms has asked stores to remove their watermelon from store shelves as a precaution. Recently, a Schnucks Markets’ press release announced the action and the response taken by the grocery chain to remove the withdrawn watermelons.
The investigation into this outbreak continues, in order to determine whether there are other possible sources. FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) network is working directly with the FDA field offices, the CDC and state and local agencies on this incident and will continue to update the public appropriately.
Consumers who are buying or have recently bought cantaloupe should ask their retailers if the cantaloupe was grown on Chamberlain Farms of Owensville, Indiana. The FDA warns consumers not to eat this cantaloupe, and if they have purchased it, they should throw it away.
If consumers believe they have cantaloupe from this farm, they should not try to wash the harmful bacteria off the cantaloupe as contamination may be both on the inside and outside of the cantaloupe. Also, cutting, slicing and dicing may transfer harmful bacteria from the fruit’s surface to the fruit’s flesh. When in doubt, throw it out.
Consumers who show any signs of illness from salmonellosis should consult their health care provider. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD or consult the fda.gov website.
14-16 August 2012
From August 14-16, 2012, FDA investigators collected samples of cantaloupe at Chamberlain Farms. They also took samples in the farm’s cantaloupe packinghouse from surfaces that would likely harbor bacteria. This action was taken in cooperation with the Indiana State Department of Health.
28 August 2012
FDA announces that samples of cantaloupe collected at Chamberlain Farms show the presence of Salmonella Typhimurium with a DNA fingerprint that is the same as the outbreak strain.
September 13, 2012
FDA announces that cantaloupe from Chamberlain Farms is potentially linked to a recent outbreak of Salmonella Newport.
Samples of cantaloupe taken by FDA at the farm have shown the presence of these outbreak strains: Salmonella Typhimurium (DNA fingerprint 0324) and Salmonella Newport (DNA fingerprint 0807). The link was supported by trace back information collected by state officials in Indiana and Illinois showing that patients consumed cantaloupe bought at stores supplied by Chamberlain Farms.
Additionally, the State of Indiana has reported that sampling of watermelon from a field on Chamberlain Farms showed the presence of Salmonella Newport with a different DNA fingerprint (0149). Illnesses of Salmonella Newport (DNA fingerprint 0149) are also being investigated, though there is currently no evidence linking them to Chamberlain Farms.
Chamberlain Farms has asked stores to remove their watermelon from store shelves as a precaution. Recently, a Schnucks Markets’ press release 
announced the action and the response taken by the grocery chain to remove the watermelons.
October 3, 2012
The FDA Form 483 (Inspectional Observations) for Chamberlain Farms has been made available in the FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs FOIA Electronic Reading Room.
The information in this release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and the state and local public health agencies involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.
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