Salmonella outbreak in rockmelon from NT

There has been a serious outbreak of Salmonella in rockmelons on Red Dirt farm in Katherine. The growers concerned have undertaken a Voluntary Recall of the fruit and it should now be cleared from the marketplace. It is possible that some consumers could still have uneaten rockmelon and they are being advised to return it to the store or dispose of it as the source of each fruit cannot be confirmed. We are working closely with the affected farm and government food authorities to make sure that all proper processes are being followed.

Growers who are currently producing rockmelons have done additional microbial testing and the fruit in the stores now is safe to eat. The rockmelon category has been severely affected by this outbreak, however these growers are working together to support a campaign to restart the category.

The AMA is working with a professional PR company to roll out a program of media that started today to encourage consumers to purchase rockmelon. Sib Rapisarda is the face of the campaign and will talk to media, coached by Jackie Crossman from the Red Agency.

We are also using our social media channels to get the positive message out to consumers. Two growers, Chris Jowett and Terry O’Leary have been assisting with social media as well. If you are part of the social media world of Facebook and Twitter, please look for this and redistribute as much as you can. Or get your kids onto it! It all helps.

Wholesalers have been doing a good job talking up rockmelons with their buyers but now we have to get the consumers purchasing again. As part of the supply chain for Australian melons, please do all you can to help get the category moving again. For your information, the text of the latest media release is included at the bottom of this email.

There are melon industry food safety guidelines on the melon industry website.

Go to http://www.melonsaustralia.org.au/industry-area-growing-resources-research-reports and enter food safety in the search box.

Contact Dianne Fullelove if you would like further information.

Dianne Fullelove, Industry Development Manager
Australian Melon Association Inc
Mobile: 0413 101 646
Email: idp@melonsaustralia.org.au­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­