The Dole Fresh Fruit Company has recalled several thousand cartons of imported cantaloupes distributed in the eastern United States and Quebec after the fruit tested positive for salmonella.

Dole says there have been no reports of illness due to the contaminated cantaloupes, which were grown in Costa Rica.

Foods tainted with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, but the bacteria can cause symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. People with weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to salmonella poisoning.

The company says the recall covers roughly 6,100 cartons of cantaloupes distributed to wholesalers in the eastern U.S. and Quebec from Feb. 5 to Feb. 8.

The colour of the cantaloupes' skin is light green and their flesh is orange.

The recalled cartons are dark brown with Dole Cantaloupes in red lettering. They have a 13-digit number on a white tag pasted to the carton; the 10th digit is a 2.

Consumers with questions should call the store where they bought the cantaloupes or contact Dole at (800) 232-8888.