Goya Frozen Fruit Linked to Typhoid Fever Outbreak

An outbreak of typhoid fever in the USA has been linked to a frozen tropical fruit product used to make smoothies. According to the CDC five of the seven confirmed cases drank milkshakes or smoothies made with frozen Mamey fruit pulp sold by Goya Foods Inc. of Secaucus, N.J. Of the seven cases, three are in California and four in Nevada. Five people have been hospitalized.

Mamey is a sweet grown mainly in Central and South America. It is also known as zapote or sapote. It is usually peeled and mashed to make pulp that is then frozen and sold.

The FDA reported that a sample from one package in Las Vegas tested positive for the bacteria that causes typhoid. Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by a type of bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Symptoms include a sustained fever as high as 103 to 104 degrees, along with headache. weakness, stomach pains or loss of appetite. Some patients have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Goya has recalled packages of the pulp which was sold in the western USA. The recalled mamey pulp was sold in 14-ounce plastic packages in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington.
Also See: CDC - Typhoid Fever

More Information @: FDA

Photo Courtesy: FDA Product Labels