Wawona Packing Co. is voluntarily recalling peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots that were packed at its Cutler, California, warehouses between June 1 and July 12. Wawona believes the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Costco, Kroger, and Walmart, which also operates Sam’s Club stores, have all posted notices about the fruit recall on their websites. So have Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Ralphs and Food 4 Less. The recall is nationwide, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Consumers should look for a sticker on their fruit that says “SWEET 2 EAT,” according to the recall warnings.
Internal testing at Wawona revealed the potential listeria contamination, the company says. Listeria was found on two nectarines and one peach. It is not yet clear how they became contaminated. The facility was shut down and sanitized, and subsequent tests have been negative for the bacteria. “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.”
Smittcamp is urging customers not to eat any of these stone fruits — meaning fruits with large pits — and to either destroy them or return them to a nearby store for a refund. Whole Foods is also recalling several of their “made-in-store items such as cakes, tarts, salsas, and prepared salads” that may contain the contaminated fruit. In addition, Wegmans has recalled several of its baked goods that contain fruit from Wawona Packing Co. This includes cakes, pies, tarts and other pastries.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis. The most common symptoms of listeriosis are gastrointestinal issues (such as diarrhea), fever and muscle aches. Pregnant women, infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk for a more serious infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have already eaten one of the recalled products and begin to feel ill, see your doctor and tell him or her about the recall.
The lawyers at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., are concerned for the safety of families in Reading, Berks County, PA, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, and throughout Eastern and Central PA. The lawyers there handle personal injury claims, including claims for injuries or death caused by unsafe or dangerous products.
From the desk of Adam K. Levin, Esquire.