Unsanitary packing shed conditions prompt expanded N.C. cantaloupe recall

Burch Equipment LLC in North Carolina is expanding a more limited voluntary recall of cantaloupes that began July 28, now that an FDA inspection has disclosed unsanitary conditions at the cantaloupe packing shed.

The firm is voluntarily recalling 13,888 cases (nine cantaloupes per case) and 581 bins (110 cantaloupes per bin) of Athena (SEE NOTE BELOW) variety whole cantaloupes due to the potential for being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Melons affected by this recall total 188,902. No illnesses have been reported. FDA and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture have been working with Burch Equipment LLC since a random sample of an Athena variety cantaloupe tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. 

The cantaloupes were shipped between July 15 and 27 and distributed to retail stores operating in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. The whole cantaloupes are identified by a red label reading Burch Farms referencing PLU # 4319. And while all of the  cantaloupes involved in the recall were grown by Burch Farms, some may have been identified with a “Cottle Strawberry, Inc.” sticker referencing PLU #4319.  Cottle Farms is not involved in this recall.

Burch Equipment LLC is requesting any consumer that may have one of these cantaloupes to discard the product. Questions can be directed to Burch Equipment LLC at 910-267-5781 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or via email to [email protected].

ED. NOTE: THE COMPANY SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED THE RECALL NOTICE TO CORRECT THE MELON BRAND. IT'S CARIBBEAN GOLD, NOT ATHENA.