Melons can be contaminated with salmonella

It's summertime and melons are often a refreshing snack for us and our families. Did you know that melons can be contaminated with salmonella? The Direction de la Santé publique du Québec warns the public on this subject. The skin or rind of all melons can become contaminated, as they are grown close to the ground. If you cut the melon without washing it, you can contaminate the inside with the bacteria that were on the peel.

You need to take certain precautions to avoid contracting salmonellosis, an infection caused mainly by eating food contaminated with salmonella. 

Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, before and after handling melons.

Before cutting the melon, wash it by scrubbing the entire surface with hot water and a clean produce brush.

Refrigerate cut melons quickly.

Use hot water and soap to clean all utensils, counter tops and cutting boards before and after handling melons.

Find more information on this website : https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/salubrite-legumes-et-fruits/melons.html