Melon recall: Cantaloupes, honeydew grown by Burch Farms, sold after June 23, recalled

CLEVELAND - Burch Equipment is recalling this season’s cantaloupes and honeydew melons due to findings that show the fruit may be contaminated with listeria.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious or fatal infections in children, elderly people or anyone with a weak immune system. Normal symptoms are short-term and include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Recalled melons were grown by Burch Farms and sold to retailers and restaurants between June 23 and July 27 in several states, including Ohio.

The cantaloupes can be identified by a red label reading Burch Farms referencing PLU #4319. The honeydew melons were not labeled with the Burch Farms sticker and may have been packed in a carton labeled melons.

To verify if a melon was contaminated, contact the store where it was purchased to ask if the melon is a part of the recall.

Burch Equipment officials said consumers should throw away any cantaloupe or honeydew melon fitting the description of recalled melons.

The organism was found present in a random sampling of cantaloupe. There have been no illnesses reported to date.

Marc's posted this comment to our Facebook page: "Attention Marc's Customers: This does not include any produce sold at our stores, we buy our melons from Martori Farms in Arizona & they are tasting great!"