The FDA announced today that Goya Foods, Inc. of Secaucus, NJ, is recalling its 14 ounce packages of Frozen Mamey Pulp, due to a potential health risk from Salmonella.   The FDA states that the recalled Goya brand Mamey Pulp was distributed in the states of AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, and WA through retail stores.  To date, no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with Goya brand Mamey Pulp.

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes severe food-poisoning type symptoms.  Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and/or fever.  In severe cases, the diarrhea may be frequent and bloody.  While most cases of Salmonella resolve, it is associated with long term complications like reactive arthritis.   

The product comes in a 14 ounce plastic package and is not marked with a lot number or expiration date. The UPC is 041331090803.

The recall resulted from a positive test taken by the FDA in a sample of Goya brand Mamey Pulp collected in Las Vegas, NV.  

As of August 12, 2010, a total of 7 confirmed and 2 probable individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella serotype Typhi have been reported from 2 states since May 25, 2010. Confirmed cases are persons with illness on or after January 1, 2010 and a DNA fingerprint matching the outbreak strain. Probable cases are persons with a Salmonella Typhi infection and a strong epidemiologic link to the outbreak. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CA (3 confirmed and 2 probable) and NV (4 confirmed).

CDC and public health officials in two states conducted an epidemiologic study comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons. Among interviewed ill persons, 5 (71%) of 7 reported consuming frozen mamey fruit pulp in a milkshake or smoothie, also called a “batido” or “licuado.” Upon further investigation, it was found that 4 (80%) of 5 ill persons consumed Goya brand frozen mamey fruit pulp. Among well persons, 0 (0%) of 33 reported exposure to frozen mamey fruit pulp. No other food was found to be associated with illness. These results suggest that eating frozen mamey fruit pulp is a likely source of these illnesses. This investigation is ongoing. CDC and its public health partners will update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available.
Mamey, also called “zapote” or “sapote,” is a tropical fruit grown primarily in Central and South America. It is prepared by removing the inner seed and consuming the flesh raw, or adding it to milkshakes, jellies, or other foods or beverages. When preparing frozen mamey fruit pulp, it is peeled and mashed, and then consumed as a shake or smoothie. Frozen mamey fruit pulp can be purchased in grocery stores throughout the U.S., and packages have a 2-3 year shelf life.

Salmonella Typhi is the bacterium that causes typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is a very rare illness in the United States among non-international travelers and can cause serious symptoms, often times requiring hospitalization. Typhoid fever is contracted when food and water are contaminated by an infected individual and are then consumed by other people.