Company recalls maradol papayas

The company named in an outbreak of salmonella linked to fresh yellow maradol papayas is issuing a recall of the fruit, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall comes a week after the Maryland Department of Health first warned consumers and retailers that Caribeña-brand yellow maradol papayas from San Juan, Texas-based Grande Produce tested positive for salmonella.

The FDA is warning consumers to avoid all of the company’s maradol papayas. Although the company notified the FDA of the recall, it had not sent a recall notice to the FDA for posting on its recall website.

In a July 25 update to the investigation, the FDA said the company initiated a “limited recall” of its maradol papayas distributed nationwide from July 7 to July 18.

The agency also noted that there are illnesses in states where Grande Produce did not distribute papayas and is continuing its investigation.

Grande Produce could not be reached by e-mail or phone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended consumers avoid maradol papayas from Mexico. Currently, Caribeña is the only brand linked to the illnesses, but the FDA is investigating whether other brands are involved.

The CDC has reported 47 cases in 12 states, including 12 hospitalizations and one death from Salmonella Kiambu. Salmonella Thompson and Salmonella Kiambu were detected on papayas at the Baltimore retail store that led to the Maryland Department of Health warning.