FDA bans papaya imported from Mexico due to widespread Salmonella contamination

The Food and Drug Administration has placed a ban on papaya imported to the U.S. from Mexico because of widespread contamination with Salmonella bacteria.

According to an MSNBC.com report, the FDA said its investigation of fresh papaya imported from Mexico between May 12 and Aug. 18 revealed that as much as 15 percent of the product was contaminated.

At least 28 different companies import papaya from Mexico to the U.S.

Just this summer, more than 100 people have been sickened after eating papaya imported through Agromod Produce Inc. Victims of the ongoing outbreak have been reported in 23 states. That outbreak prompted the FDA investigation into potentially more contaminated produce.

The MSNBC.com report indicates the ban on papaya will include “all raw fresh and raw fresh refrigerated papaya” coming over the U.S. border from Mexico. Any exporting company must obtain a third-party, independent analysis of its products to prove they are free of Salmonella bacteria before they will be allowed over the border. There are a few products that are included on an exemption list which may cross the border.

The U.S. imports more than 275 million pounds of papayas from Mexico each year. Mexico is said to be working with health officials in the U.S. to ensure no contaminated products are trying to be exported here.

Salmonella poisoning can sometimes be fatal. At least 10 people involved in the Salmonella outbreak linked to Agromod-imported papayas required hospitalization to treat their illness.

Early signs of infection include nausea and vomiting, as well as stomach pain and diarrhea.