Recall - Firm press release

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Voluntary Recall on Honduran Cantaloupes Due to Potential Health Concerns

Contact:
William Goldfield
818-874-4647

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Westlake Village, Calif., March 28, 2008 -- Dole Fresh Fruit Company, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, Inc., has voluntarily recalled all Honduran Cantaloupes grown, packed and shipped by an independent third-party grower, Agropecuaria Montelibano of San Lorenzo Valle, Honduras.

This recall has been initiated based on current information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.

Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of symptoms and illnesses. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more severe illnesses and potentially can be fatal.

The cantaloupes were distributed for sale throughout the United States and parts of Canada in cardboard cartons with the brand "Dole" and "PRODUCT OF HONDURAS" printed on each of the side panels of the carton.

The FDA advises consumers who have recently bought cantaloupes to check with the place of purchase to determine if the fruit came from this specific grower and packer. If so, consumers should throw away the cantaloupes. Consumers with questions may visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov for more information or contact the Dole Consumer Center at (800) 232-8888.

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