A recent outbreak of listeria in Australia has killed four people and some Australian cantaloupe growers are facing a financial crisis.
As far as Western Australia, growers say their sales have fallen sharply, although the disease was contaminated by a farm in New York, the Daily Mail reported. Dane Capogreco of Waroona Capogreco Farms, WA, says their exports have fallen 90 percent since the outbreak of Listeria last month. "it is true that we have lost our business because of the pollution. Our local sales are down 70% and our exports are down 90%. "
He added that the loss of interest in cantaloupe was unfortunate and unjustifiable, since only one farm in the east had been contaminated. "there`s really nothing to worry about. They have to trust us farmers."
"Listeria is not something that can spread all over the country. The farm next to us has been tested and it`s negative," he said.
Seventeen people have been affected by pollution on a farm in Nericon, new state. The farm was informed of an outbreak of Listeria that had stopped production on its own initiative.
In late February, all affected cantaloupes were removed from the shelves and those currently on sale were considered safe to eat by health authorities until they arrived at the store.
Dianne Fullelove, director of industrial development at the melon industry association in Australia, said growers now have to test the melon for Listeria. "they all tested the pathogen, and it turned out to be negative. They are also collecting as much evidence from the system as possible, such as packing line operations and water testing, to tell consumers that their fruit is safe when placed on the shelf. "
Listeria is a bacterium found in dirty water, irrigation water, soil and fertilizer that infects humans with contaminated food.
The bacteria can cause Listeria, which is easier to eat raw food such as contaminated fruit.
The New State Department of Health said that although the disease is rare, infection can lead to blood poisoning and meningitis.
