Del Monte Called to Pay Med Expenses in Salmonella Outbreak

A Salmonella outbreak caused by tainted cantaloupe sold through Costco in several states has led to a food safety lawyer’s demand that Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. immediately pay medical expenses and other costs incurred by the victims.

On March 22, 2011, Del Monte recalled 4,992 cartons of cantaloupes distributed through its warehouse clubs in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. In Idaho, more than 40 guests became ill hours after consuming the cantaloupe which was served at a wedding reception. The wedding caterer reportedly received a call from Costco warning her that she had purchased a large quantity of the possibly-affected cantaloupe. The Idaho cases have not yet been formally linked to the outbreak.