FDA warns of typhoid fever through frozen mamey fruit pulp

La Nuestra and Goya brand pulp may put consumers at risk for typhoid fever illnesses

The following is being released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

Fast Facts

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat frozen mamey fruit pulp sold under the La Nuestra brand by Montalvan Sales Inc. Ontario, Calif., or the Goya brand by Goya Foods Inc. Secaucus, N.J.

An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state partners showed an epidemiologic link between an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Typhi infections and the products.

The CDC reports that at least nine people in California and Nevada are ill with typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi.

Ill individuals have reported consuming mamey fruit pulp, including mamey fruit smoothies at juice stands.

Goya Foods Inc. and La Nuestra have voluntarily recalled the product.

Consumers who have the recalled La Nuestra brand or Goya brand frozen mamey pulp in their homes are urged to discard it immediately.

Consumers also are urged to find out what brand of mamey pulp is being used in drinks prepared at juice stands and stores.

This outbreak of Salmonella Typhi is not related to the current outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to eggs in their shells.

What is the Problem?

An investigation by the CDC and state partners showed an epidemiologic link between an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Typhi and frozen mamey fruit pulp sold under the La Nuestra brand by Montalvan Sales Inc. Ontario, Calif., and under the Goya brand by Goya Foods Inc. Secaucus, New Jersey.

The CDC reports that at least nine people in California and Nevada are ill with typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi. Ill individuals have reported consuming products, including mamey fruit smoothies, made with La Nuestra or Goya brand frozen mamey fruit pulp.

Epidemiologic evidence has linked imported frozen mamey sold by Montalvan Sales Inc. (La Nuestra brand) and by Goya Foods Inc. to this ongoing outbreak. The two companies get their mamey fruit from a common supplier in Guatemala.

What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?

Infections with Salmonella Typhi cause typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is more common in developing countries. Eight of nine of the ill people report not having traveled outside the United States.

Typhoid fever is a serious illness that can result in death. People with typhoid fever usually have a sustained fever as high as 103 degrees to 104 degrees F (39 degrees to 40 degrees C). They may also feel weak, or have stomach pains, headache, or loss of appetite.

The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever is to have samples of stool or blood tested for the presence of Salmonella Typhi. Consumers who suspect that they have typhoid fever should see their health care professionals immediately.

What do Consumers Need to Do?

Consumers who have La Nuestra or Goya brand frozen mamey pulp in their homes are urged to discard it immediately. Consumers also are urged to find out what brand of mamey pulp is being used in drinks prepared at juice stands.

For more information on typhoid fever, visit http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhoidfever/.

What Do the Products Look Like?

Both the Goya and La Nuestra products are sold frozen. The Goya product is sold in 14-ounce packages in retail stores nationwide.  All production lot codes are being recalled. The UPC is 041331090803.

The La Nuestra brand mamey pulp comes in a 14-ounce plastic package.  All lot numbers are affected by this recall; however, packages produced prior to May 2009 are not identified with a lot number and are subject to this recall as well.  The UPC is 7-56869-10008-4.

Mamey fruit (sometime referred to as "zapote") is large and round, has brown skin and a fleshy orange pulp. It is grown mainly in the tropical lowlands of Central America and is very popular among the Hispanic community, especially in juices and fruit shakes (called "batidos").

What is Being Done about the Problem?

In addition to FDA’s collaborative effort with CDC and state partners to investigate the outbreak, the FDA is increasing its sampling of imported frozen mamey pulp at the borders to prevent contaminated product from entering the United States.

The information in this press release reflects FDA’s best efforts to communicate what the manufacturers have reported to FDA.

For more information on the Goya Foods Inc. voluntary recall: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm222506.htm

For more information on the La Nuestra voluntary recall: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm223383.htm

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA