HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

KINGFISHER BRAND CANTALOUPES MAY CONTAIN SALMONELLA BACTERIA

OTTAWA, June 2, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the KingFisher brand cantaloupes described below because these cantaloupes may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected cantaloupes, produce of the United States, were distributed under KingFisher brand name in cartons containing 6 or 9 cantaloupes. The individual cantaloupes may have a sticker with all of the following information:

KingFisher Brand
Produce of USA
UPC : 0 33383 11600 6
#4050
Fisher Ranch Corp., Blythe, CA, 92225

These cantaloupes were distributed in Ontario and sold from May 16 up to and including June 2, 2008.

Consumers who have purchased whole cantaloupes or in-store products containing pieces of fresh cantaloupes and are not sure of the brand should inquire at the place of purchase to verify if the stores have received the affected product.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these cantaloupes.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with this bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The importer, Gambles Ontario Produce Inc., Toronto, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling these cantaloupes from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time,, Monday to Friday).

For information on Salmonella, visit the Food Facts web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml.

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

- 30 -

Media enquiries: