Fruit sold at Walmart recalled across multiple states over fears of contamination with deadly bacteria
Mangoes sold by Walmart are being recalled over fears they could be contaminated with a potentially deadly bacteria.
Panorama Produce issued the alert for its large mangoes after tests showed they may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacteria spread through animal feces.
The recalled mangoes were stamped with a light blue sticker reading ‘Agrofepac, Produce of Mexico.’
They were also sold out of cardboard crates that had the phrase ‘Martina Mangos’ on the side and a picture of a flamingo with a mango for a body.
A total of 302 cases have been recalled that were sold across four states: Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
They were in stores between August 10 and 21.
No illnesses due to the mangoes have been reported to date.
Health officials said anyone who has the recalled mangoes should dispose of them immediately or return them to the place of purchase.
The produce section at a New Jersey Walmart is pictured above. The recalled mangoes were sold in the state, along with Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania
The above is an image of the Martina Mangos-branded crates that the mangoes were sold in at Walmart stores. The light blue sticker on each is also visible
Anyone who fell ill after consuming the mangoes has been urged to contact a health provider immediately.
Older adults, young children and people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk from a salmonella infection.
In serious cases, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream where it causes the potentially fatal condition sepsis.
In healthy adults, infections normally clear within a few days after causing symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.
Mangoes in the recall have a PLU number of 4584 and a UPC number of 07503061948050.
The recall was ordered after FDA food sampling found salmonella in mangoes grown on the same farm but that were not distributed to the US.
It raised fears that some salmonella contaminated mangoes from the farm may also have been shipped to the US.
More than 1.3 million Americans are sickened by salmonella every year, while 26,000 are hospitalized and 400 die from the disease.
People can catch salmonella after eating contaminated food, drinking fluids laced with the bacteria or touching the droppings of infected animals.
Symptoms start within six days of infection, with patients told to call their doctor if diarrhea or vomiting lasts for more than two days, have blood in their urine or feces, develop a high fever or show signs of dehydration.
Infections are treated using fluids to keep patients hydrated. In serious cases, individuals may also be prescribed antibiotics.
