Custard Apple Pulp Recall Issued Over Salmonella Food Poisoning Risks

A salmonella food poisoning outbreak has led to the recall of some frozen custard apple pulp, following multiple reports of illnesses nationwide.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a frozen Custard Apple Pulp recall, after discovering that salmonella contamination may be responsible for at least five cases of food poisoning among individuals who came in contact with products sold by Vadilal Industries (USA) Inc.

Custard Apple Pulp, also known as Sitaphal pulp, Sitapal pulp, or Seetaphal pulp, comes from the fruit of a small semi-evergreen tree and is most commonly used by consumers to make foods such as cake and pie filling, smoothies, ice cream, and chilled beverages. It is also used as a food for infants.

Product sample testing confirmed the presence of salmonella in certain products sold by Vidilal Industries, resulting in a recall for at least two batches of “Custard Apple Pulp,” which was sold in 35.27-ounce packets with a product code of FPEP44302, a UPC code of 890177282168, and batch codes of KWHO and KRQO. They have a Best Before date of September 2023.

The FDA is urging all consumers who purchased Custard Apple Pulp with these batch codes to immediately discontinue use and return it to the store of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Vadilal Industries at 732-333-1209.

Salmonella is a common bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract, which is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or egg products. It can also be caused by eating foods contaminated by the feces of an infected animal.

Symptoms of Salmonella infections (Salmonellosis) can take between a few hours to a few days to surface, causing nausea, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, headache, and even bloody stool. For most healthy people these symptoms normally last between two to seven days, though diarrhea may last longer. Life-threatening complications requiring prompt medical attention can occur if the infection spreads beyond the intestines.

While some healthy adults who come into contact with Salmonella contaminated foods may not show any symptoms Salmonella food poisoning can be a serious concern for children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems as they are more likely to develop severe, life-threatening complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.35 million people suffer from Salmonellosis yearly in the U.S. with an estimated 420 deaths. The majority of these infections and fatalities come from Salmonella food poisoning.