Ain’t Life a Peach? Cal. Fruit Recall Expands Over Listeria Worries
A voluntary recall issued last month for California peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots that may be contaminated with listeria bacteria has been expanded.
The initial recall was issued July 19th for fruit packed by the Wawona Packing Company in Cutler, California from June 1st through July 12th. The expansion of the recall now includes fruit packed by the company through July 18th, reports USA Today.
No Cases of Listeriosis Reported
Although no illnesses have been linked to the recalled fruit yet, the company isn't taking any chances. A 2011 outbreak of listeriosis -- the disease caused by consuming listeria contaminated food -- linked to Colorado cantaloupes killed more than 30 people and sickened more than a hundred.
Listeriosis typically affects pregnant women, babies, and adults with compromised immune systems, although anyone who consumes contaminated food may be at risk. Symptoms include stomach cramps and diarrhea, followed by fever, muscle aches, confusion, and convulsions. Pregnant women may also suffer miscarriages as a result of listeriosis.
Recalled Products
According to a press release issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recalled products were shipped directly to wholesalers and retailers to resell the products. The company doesn't know the locations or specific companies or stores who may have received the recalled products, although retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Whole Foods Market have posted warnings to their customers.
Customers can identify the products affected by the recall by the following brand names: Sweet 2 Eat, Sweet 2 Eat Organic, and Mrs. Smittcamp’s. Some of the fruit may also have been sold under private labels such as Trader Joe's. The FDA has provided photographs of the recalled products on the administration's website to help consumers identify potentially tainted fruit.
What Should You Do If You Bought Recalled Fruit?
The FDA advises that consumers who purchased the recalled products can return to the store where they purchased the product to request a refund if they have a receipt or other proof of purchase. Consumers may also contact Wawona Packing’s consumer information desk by calling 1-888-232-9912.
Related Resources:
- More stores affected by listeria fruit recall (CNN)
- Cantaloupe Recall: Fresh Cut KS Fruit Linked to Listeria Outbreak (FindLaw's Common Law)
- Romaine Lettuce Recalled On Listeria Fears: 15 Dead from Cantaloupes (FindLaw's Common Law)
- Whole Foods Joins Ricotta Cheese Recall Over Listeria Fears (FindLaw's Common Law)