(RxWiki News) Opting for fruit is usually a healthy option, but consumers across the country may be thinking twice about some produce this week. A nationwide recall of certain fruits has been issued.
A company that supplies products to stores across the nation issued the recall, which involves stone fruit like peaches and nectarines.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the fruits, but consumers and retailers are being urged to watch for recalled products.
"Check your kitchen for recalled or expired food items."
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a recall of fruits has affected stores across the nation. The recall was initiated due to concerns about possible contamination with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria can cause symptoms like high fever, headache, nausea and diarrhea, the FDA reports. In pregnant women, young children, older adults or people with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can sometimes cause more serious infections and can lead to miscarriage or death.
The initial recall, from Wawona Packing Company, a Cutler, CA, organization, included whole white and yellow peaches, white and yellow nectarines, plums and pluots. The recall was executed voluntarily after Wawona's internal testing revealed the possibility of Listeria contamination in the products in question.
"The recalled products were shipped directly to retailers and wholesalers who resell the products," the FDA reported. "Because we do not know the locations of the companies that purchased the products from our direct customers, the company is issuing a nationwide recall."
According to CNN, multiple nationwide retailers have alerted their costumers about the recall. These retailers include Costco, Kroger, Walmart, Sam's Club, Trader Joe's, Ralphs and Food 4 Less.
Whole Foods Market has issued a separate recall of made-in-store items that were made with recalled produce from Wawona, including cakes, tarts, salsas and prepared salad.
According to the Whole Foods recall, the items may have been labeled “Sweet 2 Eat." The fruits in question from Wawona were all packed between June 1 and July 21. The FDA has provided pictures of the products' packaging and additional identifying details on its website.
So far, no illnesses tied to recalled items from Wawona Packing Company have been reported. The FDA reported that, after the initial signs of Listeria were discovered, "The company shut down the implicated packing lines, retrofitted equipment, sanitized the facility and retested. Subsequent daily test results have been negative."
The FDA urged consumers to check for recalled items and discard them. Any consumers who are concerned about their exposure or possible illness should seek medical care.
