Imported mangoes called probable source of salmonella cases

California public health officials warned state residents Wednesday against eating Daniella-brand mangoes imported from Mexico, saying that investigators believe the fruit may be contaminated with salmonella.

The warning follows an outbreak of a strain of salmonella infection that has grown to more than 100 cases nationwide, with 80 of those cases in California, authorities said.

No deaths have been reported, although 26 people have been hospitalized.

A preliminary investigation has indicated that mango consumption is linked to the infections, officials said. In its warning, the California Department of Public Health said the Daniella mangoes were packed in Mexico and distributed by a Burlingame, Calif.-based firm, Splendid Products, which voluntarily recalled the fruit this week.

The mangoes were sold individually at stores nationwide between July 12 and Aug. 29 and bear various numeric codes: 4051, 4959, 4311, 4584 or 3114.

Although the fruit is no longer being sold, officials urged consumers who may still have Daniella mangoes to discard them or return them to the place of purchase.

Lola Russell, a spokeswoman with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said the genetic fingerprint of the salmonella strain involved in the U.S. cases has been matched to a recent outbreak of the illness in Canada. Canadian authorities have also warned people not to eat Daniella brand mangoes.

Infection with salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and cramping and is typically most serious for the very young, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

rebecca.trounson@latimes.com