Australian state and territory food safety agencies are investigating the possible link between cases of salmonella and rockmelon.
An uncommon strain of salmonella has caused several foodborne illnesses in South Australian and New South Wales, with SA Health and the New South Wales (NSW) Food Authority investigating its link to rockmelon.
While the link is yet to be confirmed, NSW Food Authority has cautioned infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with suppressed immune systems to avoid consuming rockmelon.
Consumers have been advised to take precautions when eating rockmelon to avoid the risk of salmonella, including avoiding bruised or damaged rockmelons; discarding fresh-cut rockmelon left at room temperature for more the two hours; washing hands before handling fresh rockmelon; and using clean utensils and cutting boards when preparing melons.
