Cavi Brand Papayas Could Be Source Of Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak, Says CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned people in the United States about a possible connection between Cavi Brand Papayas and salmonella outbreak in several states. CDC urged people not to sell, serve or eat this whole fresh fruit from the brand as it is likely to be the source for the bacterial infection.

The announcement was made by the agency Friday after it investigated the source of the bacteria which has hit about eight states. They looked into the possible link between papayas imported from Mexico and salmonella infections.

“Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicates Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas are a likely source of this outbreak. Do not eat, serve, or sell any Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas because they may be contaminated with salmonella. We are no longer advising consumers to avoid all papayas from Mexico,” CDC said in a statement.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can affect the intestinal tract of a person. Most people infected by the bacteria develop abdominal cramps, fever and diarrhea within 12-72 hours after infection. Though most of the infected individuals recover without treatment, in some people diarrhea could become very serious, according to CDC.

Usually, the illness lasts for four to seven days. But in some cases “the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites. In these cases, Salmonella can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness”.

The agency said that the current outbreak affected New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Though no deaths have been reported, over 70 people fell sick and 27 individuals were hospitalized due to the bacterial infection since January, CDC reported.

The agency advised consumers, restaurants and retailers to avoid the consumption of Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas in any form. “Consumers who have any Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas in their homes should not eat them. Throw the papayas away, even if some of them were eaten and no one has gotten sick,” CDC adviced.

Some of the other advices given by the agency are listed below:

• Do not eat fruit salads or other foods that include any Cavi brand papayas.
• If you aren’t sure the papaya you bought is Cavi brand, you can ask the place of purchase. When in doubt, don’t eat the papaya. Throw it out.
• Wash and sanitize places where Cavi brand papayas were stored: countertops and refrigerator drawers or shelves.
• Restaurants, retailers, and other food service providers from all states should not sell or serve any Cavi brand papayas, which are distributed by Agroson’s LLC. Importers, suppliers, and distributors should not sell Cavi brand papayas distributed by Agroson’s LLC.