Recalled Mamey Pulp Linked to Typhoid Fever Outbreak

ATLANTAThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the recent outbreak of typhoid fever in the United States is linked to recalled packages of frozen mamey pulp, a tropical fruit product also known as zapote or sapote used to make smoothies or milkshakes. Five people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.

The CDC confirmed Salmonella serotype Typhi in three cases in California and four cases in Nevada; two more California cases are being investigated. The CDC reported five of those hospitalized drank milkshakes or smoothies made with frozen mameyfour of which were sold by Goya Foods Inc.

On Aug. 12, Goya Foods issued a recall of 14-ounce plastic packages of Goya brand Mamey pulp distributed to retailers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Washington. The recall was initiated after a sample tested positive for Salmonella during routine testing in Las Vegas.

Typhoid fever is contracted when food and water are contaminated by an infected individual and are then consumed by other people. Investigators are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak.