The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday that Santa Fe Springs, CA-based Fruiti Pops, Inc. was recalling its Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mmaey frozen fruit bars due to potential contamination with Salmonella Typhi.  

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the Fruiti Pops Mamey fruit bars, but the products are being recalled because they were made with frozen mamey pulp produced by Goya Foods, Inc.  Goya Foods recalled its frozen mamey pulp earlier this month after it was found to be the source of a Typhoid fever outbreak.  

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi.  Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans.  Infection results from eating food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding Salmonella Typhi or if sewage contaminated with the bacterium gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food.  Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever, severe abdominal pain, and other signs and symptoms.

Most people who become ill with typhoid fever need to be hospitalized for antibiotic treatment. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of people, called carriers, recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria.  Anyone ill with typhoid fever and carriers shed Salmonella Typhi in their feces (stool).

Anyone who has experienced diarrheal illness after consuming the mamey Fruiti Pops or frozen mamey pulp should consult a healthcare provider.  

The recalled Fruiti Pops were distributed in California, Arizona, and Texas through distributorships that sell products to retail locations, mobile vendors, vending machines, or distribution outlets.  The product comes in clear polypropylene packaging and is not labeled with lot numbers nor expiration dates. The UPC of the recalled product is 763734000097.

Consumers who have purchased Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mamey fruit bars since May of 2009 can return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.  If consumers have any questions regarding the recall can contact Fruiti Pops, Inc. at (562) 404-2568. Fruiti Pops, Inc. staff will be available Monday through Friday from the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to answer your questions.