Shoppers in the North East have been warned to be careful when buying popular melon varieties to check which South American country they come from after recent cases of salmonella in the UK.
Experts say the possible source is thought to be whole honeydew, cantaloupe and galia melons originating from Costa Rica, Honduras or Brazil bought on or before May 28, 2021.
Consumers may be able to identify the country of origin from a sticker on the fruit.
If they are not sure about the country of origin of their galia, cantaloupe or honeydew melon, they are advised to dispose of the fruit as a precaution.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) which has issued the warning said it was aware that a large number of UK retailers may have stocked the affected melons, which have now been removed from sale.
Tina Potter, head of incidents for the FSA, said: "As a precaution we are advising people not to eat these melons and to dispose of them.
"It is important that consumers wash their hands and any surfaces that have been in contact with the melons thoroughly.
"This will help avoid the risk of cross contamination and the risk of illness."
Professor Saheer Gharbia, head of gastrointestinal pathogens unit at Public Health England, said: "Symptoms of salmonellosis typically resolve themselves and include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.
"However, symptoms can be more severe and lead to hospitalisation, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems."
Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance.
The FSA said only the melons listed above are affected. It is working with Public Health England, Food Standards Scotland and other UK health protection and food safety colleagues to continue investigations.
