Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Melissa Hartmann de Barros
954-475-8808
Melissa@hlbspec.com
Images Available August 8, 2017
Salmonella Outbreak Limited To One Papaya Grower
Fort Lauderdale, FL – In light of the recent Salmonella outbreak of July 2017, one of the largest papaya importers into the USA, HLB Specialties, is cautioning retailers and the media to make a clear distinction between the different papaya brands, growers, varieties, and countries of origin. The outbreak is limited to one specific grower in Mexico, Carica de Campeche, and the brands they distribute. Papayas of other growers, brands, varieties, and countries of origin have not been linked to the outbreak and are safe for consumption.
Papayas are grown in many countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, and USA (Hawaii). Maradol Papayas are the large kind, weighing approximately three pounds and usually have a fully yellow skin when ripe. Formosa papayas, also known as Tainung papayas, are also large and similar to Maradol in size and weight, but they are greener and ready to eat when only half yellow. The small Brazilian Golden Papaya variety weighs around one pound and is also very sweet.
The company hopes to educate consumers on the different types of papaya in order to keep the public informed about the source of the outbreak. Melissa Hartmann de Barros, Director of Communications at HLB Specialties, notes “The safety of the consumers is our highest priority. We share their concern and caution, but we also want to provide as much information as possible, so that shoppers can make an educated decision when buying papayas. Consumers can rest assured that the other large papaya variety Formosa as well as the small Brazilian Golden variety are not implicated and are safe for consumption.”
Food Safety is a very important part of HLB Specialties. The company follows all food safety guidelines put in place by FDA as well as third party certifying agencies that continuously monitor their growers’ work.
Salmonella is a bacteria found in raw foods that have been handled with poor hygiene. It is not a problem linked to a specific kind of food, but with incorrect handling, most likely in post-production with the use of unsanitary water or an unclean packing house.
In an effort to provide more information to the media and consumers, HLB has made several posts on their social media channels and contacted all major produce industry publications. To follow their posts, please see their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages by searching @hlbspecialties or clicking on the links.
HLB Specialties carries organic and conventional Formosa papayas, Brazilian Golden papayas, mangoes, avocados, limes, as well as other specialty items such as rambutan and goldenberries. For more information please visit www.HLBinfo.com follow @hlbspecialties on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or call 954-475-8808.