Update: Food agencies advising consumers not to eat specific melons which may be contaminated with salmonella

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has joined the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England and Wales in advising consumers not to eat specific melons which may be contaminated with salmonella.

The move follows some recent salmonella cases of illness in the UK, where the possible source is thought to be whole honeydew, cantaloupe and galia melons originating from Costa Rica and Honduras bought on or before 28 May 2021.*

Consumers may be able to identify the country of origin from a sticker on the fruit. If consumers are not sure about the country of origin of their galia, cantaloupe or honeydew melon, they are advised to dispose of the fruit as a precaution.

Both agencies are aware that a large number of UK retailers may have stocked the affected melons, which have now been removed from sale.

Julie Hesketh-Laird, Deputy Chief Executive at Food Standards Scotland said:

"As a precaution we are advising people not to eat these melons and to dispose of them. It is important that consumers wash their hands and any surfaces that have been in contact with the melons thoroughly. This will help avoid the risk of cross contamination and the risk of illness."

Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance. 

Only the melons listed above are affected. FSS and the FSA are working with Public Health England, Public Health Scotland and other UK health protection and food safety colleagues to continue investigations.

*Update: Our previous advice issued on 29 May 2021 had also included advice about whole honeydew, cantaloupe and galia melons from Brazil. Since the initial advice was issued, further investigations including analysis of the food chain and testing have been undertaken. Additional information has become available that has shown that melons from Brazil are not likely to be affected.