The popular fruit of rockmelon has been linked to an increasing number of salmonella cases in Australia.

Authorities investigating the outbreak say the bacteria has been found on rockmelons from a Northern Territory farm.

There have been 86 cases of salmonella reported nationally, including 43 in NSW.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has warned all consumers, but especially pregnant women, the elderly and children to avoid eating the fruit.

The FSANZ is currently investigating the poisoning associated with the fruit in a number of states and territories.

“While we wait for further information, the best advice is that consumers, especially infants, the elderly, pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems, should not consume rockmelon,” it said in a statement.

“[FSANZ] will continue to work with the state and territory enforcement agencies and the Federal Department of Health and update its advice to consumers.”

The NSW Food Authority said overseas evidence suggests contaminated water, fertiliser, contact with pests/animals or insufficient cleaning of rockmelons prior to sale could be contributing factors to rockmelons becoming contaminated with salmonella.

It suggested buying rockmelons that aren’t bruised or damaged; washing the fruit with water before eating; keeping it refrigerated; and to use clean cutting boards and utensils to minimise the risk.

The fruit has previously been linked to salmonella, with 50 cases of the Saintpaul strain reported in NSW in 2006.

In America in 2011, rockmelon contaminated with listeria was linked to more than 20 deaths.

The New Daily has contacted the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand for further information on which states the cases of salmonella were reported in.

-with AAP