Foodborne Illnesses / Salmonella /

Papayas Source of Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak

A total of 106 people were infected with Salmonella Agona after eating contaminated imported papayas between January 1 and August 25, 2011. Victims of the Salmonella papaya outbreak were identified in 25 states.

The Papaya Salmonella Outbreak

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), at least 106 people, including 10 people who were hospitalized, were part of the papaya Salmonella outbreak. Their illnesses were traced to the consumption of Salmonella-contaminated papayas imported from Mexico by McAllen, Texas-based Agromod Produce, Inc. Agromod recalled all papayas sold under the Blondie, Yaya, Mañanita, and Tastylicious brands prior to July 23. The papayas were imported from Mexico.

FDA and its counterpart agencies in the Mexican government have been working together to find the source or sources of contamination of Salmonella in fresh papayas entering the United States from Mexico. From May 12, 2011, to August 18, 2011, FDA analysis found a 15.6% Salmonella contamination rate. The positive samples were from 28 different firms and include nearly all the major papaya producing regions in Mexico. Under an FDA Import Alert issued on August 25, 2011, papayas from each source in Mexico may be denied admission into the United States unless the importer shows they are not contaminated with Salmonella.

Dangers of Salmonella

Salmonella poisoning is one of the most common types of foodborne illnesses in the United States. Symptoms can begin 6 to 72 hours after ingestion and usually last 3 to 7 days. Victims typically experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping/pain, as well as dehydration. If you believe you or some you know has been infected with Salmonella consult a doctor immediately. It is also important to contact your local health department to help in health officials' efforts to control the outbreak.

Contact the Marler Clark Salmonella Attorneys

If you or a family member became ill with a Salmonella infection after consuming contaminated food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, you can contact the Marler Clark Salmonella attorneys for a free case evaluation. Marler Clark is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Salmonella outbreaks and other foodborne illnesses. The law firm has represented thousands of victims of Salmonella and other foodborne illness infections, and is the only firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.

You can fill out the contact form to the right or call toll-free at 866-770-2032. There is no cost to you.

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