Grande Produce Recalls Salmonella-Tainted Papayas In Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD — A food distributor has issued a voluntary recall of papayas sold in Maryland that may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. State health officials warned residents two weeks ago not to eat Caribeña-brand Maradol papayas sold in the state because of the health risk.

Grande Produce has recalled a limited quantity of Papaya Maradol (with the brand name Caribeña labeled on cartons) distributed from July 10 to July 19, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company says a Maryland distribution center where the papayas were delivered has already notified retailers to remove the recalled papayas from inventories and store shelves.

No other papayas or fresh produce distributed by Grande Produce are subject to the recall. The business has ceased importation of papayas from the grower, federal officials say. (SIGN UP: Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts, or like us on Facebook. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Consumers who may have purchased the Caribeña brand of papayas should not eat them and should throw them out. A full refund is available where purchased or from Grande Produce at (888) 507-2720. Calls are received from Monday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm CST.

The Maryland Department of Health said on July 19 that the yellow Caribeña-brand Maradol papayas were distributed to stores throughout Maryland.

Lab tests on five yellow Maradol papayas collected at a Baltimore retailer, as part of an ongoing salmonella case investigation, confirmed that three of the five yellow papayas tested were contaminated with salmonella. The source of this contamination has not yet been identified, but could have occurred at any point in the supply chain. Further investigation is under way to determine the point of contamination.

Salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever. Symptoms usually occur between 12 and 36 hours after exposure, but they may begin as early as 6 hours or as late as 72 hours after exposure, health officials said. Symptoms can be mild or severe and commonly last for two to seven days.

Anyone who suspects they are ill with a Salmonella infection should contact their healthcare provider. The bacteria can infect anyone, but young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections.

Salmonella is a bacterium that is known to cause abdominal cramps, fever and diarrhea. Most people who are exposed to it recover without the need for treatment. Some people, however, experience symptoms so severe that hospitalization is required.

»Photo courtesy of the US Food and Drug Administration