Listeria Outbreak: Fresh Fruit Recall Includes Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines
In a recent development, a nationwide listeria outbreak in the United States has led to the recall of fresh peaches, plums, and nectarines sold in 2022 and 2023. This recall comes after the fruit infected 11 people across seven states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and Ohio.
The HMC Group Marketing Inc, also known as HMC Farms, has taken the voluntary step of recalling peaches, plums, and nectarines that were sold between May 1 and November 15, 2022, as well as between May 1 and November 15, 2023. The company made this announcement on November 17 through a notice shared on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.
The contaminated fruit may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially fatal bacteria that poses increased risks for certain groups of people. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has specifically highlighted pregnant individuals, those aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems as being particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of this bacteria.
Consumers who have purchased the affected fruit should be aware that it was sold in two-pound bags under the HMC Farms or Signature Farms brands. Alternatively, the fruit was also sold individually with a sticker bearing the inscription USA-E-U and one of the specified batch numbers.
It is vital for individuals who have purchased the recalled fruit to refrain from consuming it and to dispose of it immediately, even if it is stored in refrigerators or freezers. Listeria can survive in cold temperatures and can contaminate other foods and surfaces, thereby increasing the risk of further infections.
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to thoroughly clean refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated fruit to prevent any potential contamination from spreading.
Symptoms of Listeria infection may manifest as fever, vomiting, severe headaches, nausea, muscle aches, and neck stiffness, among others. Pregnant individuals who contract Listeria often exhibit symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. However, it is important to note that Listeria infection during pregnancy can result in pregnancy loss, premature birth, or severe infections in newborns.
The incubation period for Listeria infection typically ranges from two weeks to as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks following the consumption of contaminated food. Therefore, individuals experiencing any symptoms after consuming the recalled fruit should seek immediate medical attention.
For further clarification or assistance, consumers can reach out to the company’s consumer information desk at 844-483-3867. The desk operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
It is essential for everyone to prioritize their health and safety by staying informed about food recalls and taking appropriate action when necessary. Stay vigilant, and if you have any of the recalled fruit, dispose of it immediately to prevent any potential harm.
