Outbreak of salmonella linked to Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas

Salmonella Enteritidis has been found in breaded chicken products imported from Poland

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Uganda illnesses that are likely linked to whole, fresh papayas. 

The epidemiological and traceback information collected thus far in the FDA’s investigation indicates that Agroson’s LLC of Bronx, New York, is the exclusive distributor of the imported papayas that likely made consumers from this outbreak sick. The papayas are sold under the brand name Cavi. To date, there have been no positive product samples.

Of the 71 illnesses, 69 have been reported in six states in the US. One patient from Florida who was reported ill had traveled to Connecticut before becoming ill. Another patient from Texas who was also reported ill had traveled to New York before becoming ill.

Should that happen, the FDA has stated that it will “update this advisory, including any recalled products, as more information becomes available”.

The FDA advises that suppliers and distributors do not sell whole, fresh papayas from Agroson’s LLC that are labeled under the Cavi brand.

The administration continued that the evidence does not indicate that papayas from other distributors are implicated at this time. It also said that it is “narrowing its recommendations to consumers, restaurants, retailers, importers, suppliers and distributors, limited to Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas”.

The FDA has said it will continue its investigation to try to determine the root cause of the contamination of the implicated brand.

The administration also strongly advises importers, suppliers, and distributors, as well as restaurants, retailers, and other food service providers from all states to not sell or distribute whole, fresh papayas from Agroson’s LLC that are labeled under the Cavi brand.

Based on this new information, the hold FDA advised on 28 June 2019 for all imported Mexican papayas is no longer necessary.