Honduran Company Accused of Tainted Melons Lays Off Workers

Honduran Company Accused of Tainted Melons Lays Off Workers

Story Published: Mar 27, 2008 at 7:13 AM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 27, 2008 at 7:13 AM EDT

By Nina Settappa

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) - A Honduran melon company says it
has laid off 1,800 workers after the U.S. blocked imports following
a salmonella outbreak in places such as Ohio.

The company, Agropecuaria Montelibano, estimated that its losses
will reach 21 million dollars. Honduran officials are demanding the United States compensate the company. They say there is no scientific proof the fruit was first infected in Honduras.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is continuing to
investigate the outbreak that sickened 50 people in 16 states,
including Ohio, and nine people in Canada. No deaths have been
reported, but 14 people have been hospitalized.

Symptoms of food-borne salmonella include nausea, vomiting,
fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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