PREGNANT women, infants and the elderly are being warned not to eat rockmelon after fears of a possible salmonella outbreak.

Food Standards Australia said state and territory authorities were investigating cases of salmonella possibly associated with the fruit following an increase in infections.

“While we wait for further information, the best advice is that consumers, especially infants, the elderly, pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems, should not consume rockmelon,” it said in a statement.

“FSANZ will continue to work with the state and territory enforcement agencies and the Federal Department of Health and update its advice to consumers.”

Salmonella, the name of a group of bacteria, is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. Usually, symptoms last 4-7 days and most people get better without treatment. But, Salmonella can cause more serious illness in older adults, infants, and persons with chronic diseases. Salmonella is killed by cooking and pasteurization.

Incubation Period: 12-72 hours
Symptoms: Diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting
Duration of Illness: 4-7 days
What Do I Do? Drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you cannot drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration or if your symptoms are severe, call your doctor. Antibiotics may be necessary if the infection spreads from the intestines to the blood stream.

How does it happen?

Food Safety Information Council explains in Australia salmonellosis tends to be more prevalent in the warmer, northern parts of the country and eating food that has been kept in the temperature danger zone for too long allowing the bacteria to grow is often the cause of the illness.

Share your comments below.

Image via shutterstock

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.