RI officials monitoring melon safety

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- As federal health officials continue warning people not to eat cantaloupe from Indiana following a salmonella outbreak, local officials are making sure the melons are safe for consumption in Southern New England.

The outbreak of the disease, which has so far killed two people and sickened at least 141 people nationwide, has been traced back to a distributor in Indiana.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says its safe to eat cantaloupe, but find out where it's from before buying and always wash it well before consumption. Many major grocery stores will actually post signs in the produce section to let customers know where the fruit was grown, and the stickers on the cantaloupes themselves are also a good indicator.

The Rhode Island Department of Health said they are closely monitoring the situation.

For more information about the recall, head to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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