SALMONELLOSIS, SEROTYPE AGONA - USA: MEXICAN PAPAYA, ALERT, RECALL

Date: Sat 23 Jul 2011 Source: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release [edited] http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm264854.htm

Agromod Produce, Inc. of McAllen, Texas is recalling all papayas, because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonellae, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonellosis often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonellae can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (that is, infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

Fresh, Whole Papayas were distributed nationwide and to Canada through retail stores and wholesalers.

Agromod is recalling all Blondie, Yaya, Mananita, and Tastylicious Brand papayas sold prior to 23 Jul 2011. Each Blondie Brand papaya can be identified by a blue and orange sticker label with green and white lettering on the fruit that states Blondie 4395 Mexico. The Yaya Brand Papayas can be identified by a yellow, red, orange, and green label with white, green, and red lettering that reads Yaya Premium Papayas Yaya PLU-4395 Mexico. Each Mananita Brand Papaya can be identified by a green, yellow, and red sticker label that states Mexico Mananita 4395. The Tastylicious Brand Papayas can be identified by a white and blue sticker with red and white lettering that states 4395Tastylicious Mexico.

The papayas were imported from Mexico and are possibly linked to 97 reported cases of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Agona, including 10 hospitalizations, in 23 states throughout the USA. Recent sampling by the FDA found the outbreak strain in 2 papaya samples collected at Agromod Produce, Inc. location in McAllen, TX and at the USA border destined for Agromod Produce, Inc. The shipments that tested positive with the outbreak strain were not distributed in the USA. Distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the US FDA.

Consumers who have purchased the Blondie, Yaya, Mananita, and Tastylicious Brand papayas are urged to return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (800) 385-7658, Monday-Friday 10:00 am-5:30 pm CST.

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