Caribeña Papayas Contaminated With Salmonella: Maryland Health Officials

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland health officials are warning residents not to eat Caribeña-brand Maradol papayas sold in the state because they may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. The Maryland Department of Health said Wednesday that the yellow Caribeña-brand Maradol papayas have been distributed to stores throughout Maryland. Consumers should check their papayas and throw them away, if they match the brand and type.

Lab tests on five yellow Maradol papayas recently 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.

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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 Maryland Department of Health