If you recently purchased fruit from Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Costco or Kroger, you definitely want to keep reading before you make that next smoothie.
Stone fruits – pitted fruits like nectarines, peaches, plums and pluots (a hybrid plum and apricot) – have been voluntarily recalled by Wawona Packing Co. for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The recall is on fruits packed at Wawona’s Cutler, California warehouses between June 1 and July 12. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the recall is nationwide.
According to the FDA, the possible Listeria contamination was discovered via internal testing at Wawona. “We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products,” Wawona President Brent Smittcamp said in a statement. “By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority.”
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Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that causes a type of food poisoning called Listeriosis. The CDC estimates about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths are caused by Listeriosis each year in the U.S. Symptoms of Listeriosis are flu-like and include:
What To Do If You Believe You Have Recalled Fruit
Confirm if you have potentially contaminated fruit: The FDA has published the Wawona Packing List that includes all the recalled fruit with BlockID and lot numbers. There are also pictures of the packaging on the FDA website. You can also call the store where you purchased your fruit to get confirmation.
Get rid of the fruit: Stores are urging consumers to not eat the pitted fruits, and Wegmnas Food Markets, Inc has additionally recalled many of its baked goods that may contain the contaminated fruit.. Trader Joe’s says fruit can be returned to a nearby store for a refund. Fruit can also be thrown away, but be sure to discard in a sealed container so that animals don’t get to it in the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling.
READ: Summer & Food Poisoning: What You Need To Know
Clean your kitchen: Cleaning with a bleach solution can kill Listeria bacteria. Mix 1 teaspoon of bleach in 1 quart (4 cups) of water, let sit for a few minutes and wipe down any surfaces (including your fridge and reusable grocery bags) that may have come in contact with the fruit.
Monitor your health: It can take up to 70 days for signs of Listeria to manifest. If you begin to experience flu-like symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Listeria is treatable, but it is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and pregnant women.
For more details on this recall, visit FDA.gov.
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