The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised an alarm with a warning about a nationwide recall of peaches, plums, and nectarines linked to a dangerous listeria outbreak.
This health scare has already resulted in 11 illnesses across seven states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and Ohio. Of these cases, 10 have led to hospitalizations, and one tragically ended in a fatality.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pinpointed the source of the listeria monocytogenes infections to stone fruits supplied by HMC Farms or Signature Farms. This bacterial infection poses a significant risk, especially to young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
In one severe incident, an infected pregnant woman was forced into early labor due to the illness.
The initial reports from the health agencies specified that the recall was confined to conventionally grown fruits, with organic variants not being affected. Additionally, they assured that peaches, plums, and nectarines currently on sale were not part of the recall.
The affected fruits were sold between May 1 and November 15 for the years 2022 and 2023. The retailers impacted by this recall include a range of major stores such as select Walmart and Sam’s Clubs, Publix, Sprouts Farmers Market, and certain Albertsons and Aldi stores.
The recall extends to Albertsons subsidiaries like ACME markets, Balducci’s Food Lovers Market, Carrs, Eagle, Haggen, Kings Food Markets, Lucky, Pavilions, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market, and Vons. Moreover, this issue crossed national borders, with the contaminated fruits also being distributed in Canada and Mexico.
In response to this health crisis, the FDA and CDC are collaborating with public health and regulatory officials across several states. Their efforts are focused on investigating the cause of the outbreak and implementing measures to prevent further spread.
The agencies urge consumers who have purchased the recalled fruits to dispose of them immediately. They also advise seeking medical attention if symptoms of listeria infection appear. As the situation evolves, the health agencies are committed to providing timely updates and guidance to ensure public safety.