PRESS RELEASE July 19, 2019 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Uganda illnesses likely linked to Cavi Brand whole, fresh papayas.
The FDA has asked Agroson’s LLC, BB #:275358 the exclusive distributor of this brand, to conduct a voluntary recall of Cavi brand papayas. Agroson’s LLC refused to initiate a recall.
FDA contacted wholesale customers of Agroson’s LLC to ensure the fruit was no longer available for sale, has been discarded, or not further processed or frozen. FDA is doing this to protect consumers as it pursues additional protective and regulatory actions.
Recommendations
For Consumers, Restaurants, and Retailers:
Consumers in all states should not eat any Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas and should throw them away. If consumers are unable to determine the brand of papayas, the product should be thrown away. Retailers, restaurants, and other food service providers in all states should not serve or sell whole, fresh papayas under the Cavi brand, which are distributed by Agroson’s LLC. Consumers no longer need to avoid whole, fresh papayas, with the exception of Cavi brand papayas.
For Restaurants, Retailers, Importers, Suppliers, and Distributors in All States:
The FDA strongly advises importers, suppliers, and distributors, as well as restaurants, retailers, and other food service providers from all states to not sell or distribute whole, fresh papayas from Agroson’s LLC that are labeled under the Cavi brand. Based on this new information, the hold FDA advised on June 28, 2019 for all imported Mexican papayas is no longer necessary. Distributors don’t need to withhold Mexican papayas from distribution, with the exception of the Cavi brand.
