SoCal Company Recalls Imported Papaya for Salmonella Contamination

A Southern California company has issued a recall for imported papaya from Mexico after health authorities linked its fruit shipments to a salmonella infection that has left one dead and sickened 13 others in three states. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Bravo Produce, Inc. of San Ysidro, issued a recall notice after federal investigators traced an infected sample of Maradol papayas to shipments the company imported from Tijuana.

Details of the Recall

The fruit that is part of the recall was grown in the western Mexican state of Colima and shipped to California wholesale and retail markets between August 10 and August 29. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the latest outbreak is one of four that have sickened more than 200 people in 23 states since last year. Earlier outbreaks killed one person in New York City and left 65 others in the hospital.

The recently recalled fruits by Bravo Inc. were packed by Frutas Selectas de Tijuana and can be identified by a yellow sticker on the fruit, labels on cartons and by lot numbers. Consumers should throw away the papaya if they have any doubts or questions with regard to its origin. Other sources involved in the outbreaks include Carica de Campeche, Caraveo Produce and El Zapotanito. Bravo Produce has said that it is cooperating with the FDA and will take samples from all papaya cargo to a private laboratory authorized by the agency.

Effects of Salmonella

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are more than 2,000 strains of salmonella bacteria, but only a dozen or so make people sick. Most often, salmonella poisoning results in gastroenteritis, a severe stomach illness. Salmonella is most often contracted by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry and eggs.

The World Health Organization points to salmonella bacteria is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness around the world. In the United States, 1.4 million infections result in over 150,000 doctor visits, 15,000 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths each year. Although salmonella poisoning usually causes mild stomach issues, it could also result in in long-term effects such as bloodstream infections and autoimmune diseases.

If You Have Been Affected

If you have suffered from food poisoning, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your rights. Report your illness to the local health agency, obtain prompt medical care and contact an experienced California food poisoning attorney who can help you secure maximum compensation for your damages and losses.