Jensen Farms recalled contaminated cantaloupes in 2011 after its Colorado facility was linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak.
The melons came from Jensen Farms’ packing operation in Colorado. Investigators found Listeria monocytogenes in the facility and on equipment, and the company recalled cantaloupes distributed across the United States. The outbreak caused serious illness and deaths, especially among older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Listeria differs from many foodborne pathogens because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures and can cause invasive disease after entering the bloodstream. Pregnancy-related infections are also a major concern because they can harm unborn babies.
The Jensen Farms event is separate from later Listeria recalls involving ice cream, deli meat, and other foods.