CDC Advisory on Papayas as Potential Source of Salmonella Outbreak

On June 28, 2019, CDC issued a food safety alert advising that consumers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island not eat any whole, fresh papayas from Mexico. Although the investigation is ongoing, due to the large number of cases and strong evidence implicating papayas from Mexico, both CDC and FDA have issued announcements about the outbreak. Currently there are 62 cases of Salmonella Uganda from 8 states (14 cases are from Connecticut) and 23 hospitalizations with a strong link to fresh papayas.

More specific information regarding the investigation and guidance for consumers and retail food establishments is provided here:

FDA- Salmonella outbreak - papayas

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/uganda-06-19/index.html

Although FDA has not yet issued a recall on papayas from Mexico, some retailers have already removed them from their shelves based on the available evidence. Similarly, it is advised that papayas from Mexico be considered an unapproved source at this time.

Local health departments should advise Connecticut consumers not to eat whole fresh papayas from Mexico, or any fresh papayas if their origin is unknown. If calls are received from those who believe they have become ill from papayas they should be advised to contact their healthcare provider. An alert form should be completed and faxed to the Food Protection Program at the number below as is standard practice for complaints of illness. If found in food establishments, they should be removed from sale/distribution and the area cleaned and sanitized. Please see the above websites for more details.

Updates will be provided when they become available.

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