Avoid Honduran cantaloupes

Cantaloupes distributed in cardboard cartons with the brands "Mikes Melons" or "Mayan Pride" with "Produce of Honduras" printed on them have been linked with nine cases of Salmonella illness in Canada, says Consumer Reports. If you suspect that your cantaloupe came from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, throw it out.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency lists possible Canadian sources of the cantaloupes and suggests the following precautions:

• Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged.
• When you buy cut fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, be sure that they are properly refrigerated.
• After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly.
• Before and after handling cantaloupe wash your hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds, with hot water and soap.
• Before cutting fresh cantaloupe, thoroughly wash and brush the whole cantaloupe with running water using a clean produce brush.
• Do not leave cut cantaloupe at room temperature for longer than two hours.

National Black Pepper Powder, sold in a 50 gram package and distributed in Alberta and British Columbia, may also be contaminated with Salmonella, the CFIA reports.