The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with multiple state officials, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu illnesses linked to papayas originating from Mexico. According to CDC’s latest tally, 47 individuals have been infected in 12 states. Twelve people have been hospitalized and at least one death--in New York City--is contributed to the contaminated papayas.

Investigators have determined that the food item in question has been identified as Caribeña brand Maradol papayas imported from Mexico. There may be additional brands affected as the investigation continues. The 12 states affected are Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Virginia. A release issued by Grande Produce in San Juan, TX--the supplier in question--says that the company did not distribute papayas to all of the states where illnesses have occurred.

CDC recommends that consumers not eat, restaurants not serve, and retailers do not sell Maradol papayas from Mexico until further notice. The traceback investigation is ongoing, and CDC will continue to provide updates as they become available.

For consumers and retailers unsure if their papayas might be affected, FDA’s website can help you to make that determination.

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