173 Papaya Salmonella Outbreak Victims in 21 States:  Maradol Papayas From Mexico Blamed for Salmonella Outbreak

Thirty-two more victims in the Papaya Salmonella Outbreak have now been linked to consumption of the Mexican Maradol papayas, this according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Tragically, one person has died, a New Yorker, and there are at least 45 confirmed  hospitalizations.  So far, victims have been identified in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The Papaya Salmonella Outbreak was linked to Maradol papayas from Mexico several weeks ago, and traceback investigators have traced at least some to the Carica de Campeche farm. Carica de Campeche harvests and distributes Maradol papayas under various labels, including Caribeña, Cavi and Valery.This list may not be exhaustive, however, and the CDC and FDA are telling consumers to not eat Mexican papayas from Carica de Campeche farm and to be wary of others if the country of origin ins not clearly marked.

The large, oval shaped Maradol papayas usually weigh at least 3 pounds and have a green husk that slowly yellows as the fruit ripens.   The fruit inside in salmon-colored.

Papaya Salmonella Outbreak Disproportionately Affects Hispanic Community

The current list of victims all became sick between from May 17 and July 27, but this does not include any victims who are still in the identification and reporting process.  As such, the number of victims may still rise significantly.  But is already clear that the Papaya Salmonella Outbreak is disproportionately affecting Hispanic consumers, who purchase and consume the Maradol Papayas more often.  At least two-thirds of the victims have been Hispanic (67% are Hispanic) in the CDC official numbers.  The ages, however, run from under 1 to at least 97 years of age.

Maryland on the Front Line in Identifying the Papaya Salmonella Outbreak

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) identified the outbreak when more than one person from the same Baltimore grocer contracted the same strain of salmonella. After engaging in extensive testing, the MDH tested samples of Caribeña s yellow Maradol papayas – they tested positive for salmonella on July 19. The FDA took that information and soon identifies Maradol papayas from Mexico’s Carica de Campeche farm as the origin.

According to HLB Specialties, who imports and distributes papayas:

The outbreak is limited to one specific grower in the south of Mexico, Carica de Campeche, and the brands they distribute. Papayas from Guatemala, Brazil, Formosa papaya and other Maradol papaya brands from Mexico are not linked to the outbreak and are safe for consumption.

For more information about the Papaya Salmonella Outbreak, or to speak to a salmonella lawyer, call the Salmonella Claim Center at 1-888-335-4901.