The FDA has provided a bit more information about the Salmonella Uganda papaya outbreak that is linked to the fruit imported from Mexico. Traceback information indicates that whole, fresh papayas imported by Agroson’s LLC of Bronx, New York likely made people sick. The papayas are sold under the brand name Cavi.
To date, none of the fruit tested so far has been positive for the outbreak strain. The FDA has asked Agroson’s to recall its Cavi brand papayas but no recall has been issued.
The case count stands at 71 sick; 69 live in six states in the Northeast United States: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. One patient from Florida traveled to Connecticut before getting sick, and another patient from Texas traveled to New York before getting sick.
Meanwhile, the FDA says it is increasing import screening for whole, fresh papayas and is still investigating the cause and source of the outbreak. The FDA is also going to “work with our Mexican food safety regulatory counterparts to better define this outbreak.”
If you purchased Cavi brand papayas, do not eat them, even if some have been eaten and no one has gotten sick. Bacteria tend to cluster on and in food, and part of a food could be contaminated while the rest is fine. Throw them away in a secure garbage can or take them back to the store where you bought them.
After handling these papayas, wash your hands well with soap and water. It’s also a good idea to clean the inside walls and shelves of your refrigerator, along with cutting boards, countertops, and any utensils that may have come into contact with them with a mild bleach solution.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody or watery. If you have eaten papayas and have been ill, see your doctor. You may be part of this Salmonella Uganda papaya outbreak.
