Grande Produce Issues Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of Papaya “Caribeña” Due to Potential Health Risk
July 26, 2017
Contact
Consumers
Grande Produce
(888) 507-2720
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(512) 848-1698
Announcement
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Grande Produce has announced a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of Papaya Maradol (with the brand name Caribeña labeled on cartons) distributed during the dates of July 10 and July 19 due to a potential health risk from Salmonella.
According to Grande Produce, a Maryland distribution center where the papayas were delivered has already notified retail customers to remove the recalled papayas from inventories, store shelves and the stream of commerce. Recall effectiveness checks are already underway by Grande Produce.
The only papayas subject to the recall carry a “Caribeña” brand label on cartons and were shipped during the dates of July 10 to July 19. No other papayas or fresh produce distributed by Grande Produce are subject to the recall.
Grande Produce has ceased importation of papayas from the grower and is taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its imported produce. The company is also coordinating closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies in their investigations and will provide any assistance possible.
Environmental microbial testing conducted by Grande Produce of its facilities has been negative for the Salmonella organism to-date. Specific sources of what health officials now believe may be two separate Salmonella outbreaks have not yet been determined. Of the 47 cases reported nationally, five illnesses are currently reported in the State of Maryland where Grande Produce distributed product.
Consumers who may have purchased the Caribeña brand of papayas are advised not to eat them and to dispose of them instead. A full refund is available where purchased or from Grande Produce at (888) 507-2720. Calls are received from Monday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm CST.
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