AVA recalls all rockmelons from Australia

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) is working with importers and retailers to recall all rockmelons from Australia, according to a press release on Mar 8.

The Australian authorities provided new information on the recall of rockmelons from a specific grower in Australia on 7 March.

It was found that more implicated consignments had been exported to Singapore. The whole rockmelons (cantaloupe) from this grower have been linked to an outbreak of human listeriosis in Australia.

AVA had earlier recalled two consignments of rockmelons from the implicated source. Earlier, samples of locally sold rockmelons have been taken for food safety tests, including testing for listeria. The results are pending.

Photo courtesy: Wiki
Photo courtesy: Wiki

To date, there have been no reported cases of listeriosis linked to the consumption of rockmelons in Singapore.

AVA advises food retail establishments to temporarily stop the sale of rockmelons or use of rockmelons in dishes prepared for public consumption with immediate effect until further notice. This applies to rockmelons from Australia. However, if retailers are unsure of the source of their rockmelons, they should also stop the sale or use of such rockmelons as a precaution.

Consumers who have purchased rockmelons from Australia, or are unsure of the source of the rockmelons purchased, are also advised not to consume them. Those who do not feel well after consumption of rockmelon should seek medical attention.