(credit: CBSDFW.COM)

MCALLEN (AP) – A South Texas company says it is recalling papayas imported from Mexico because they could be contaminated with salmonella.

Agromod Produce Inc. of McAllen says the Blondie, Yaya, Mananita and Tastylicious brand papayas sold prior to July 23 could be linked to 97 reported cases of salmonella, including 10 hospitalizations, in 23 states.

An advisory posted by the company on the Food and Drug Administration’s website says the recall was made with the knowledge of the federal agency. The company says the FDA found the salmonella strain in two papaya samples collected at Agromod and in papayas stopped at the border that were headed to Agromod.

The fresh, whole papayas were distributed nationwide and to Canada. Distribution has been halted while the FDA investigation continues.

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