A California packing company is recalling whole fruit sold through Costco, Trader Joe’s and other retailers after possibly harmful bacteria may have contaminated their produce, the company announced Saturday.
No illnesses related to the potentially contaminated peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots have been reported, but the Wawona Packing Company of Cutler issued the recall after internal company testing indicated the potential for infection.
Fruit packed between June 1 and July 12 may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the company.
Listeria infection can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea in healthy people and can be fatal in young children, elderly people and people with weakened immune systems.
It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirths in pregnant women.
The products were shipped directly to retailers and wholesalers and Wawona said it is unclear exactly what locations bought the contaminated products and have issued a nationwide recall.
The company shut down the infected packing lines, retrofitted its equipment and sanitized the facilities and has found no further trace of the bacteria, Wawona officials said.
“We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products,” Brent Smittcamp, president of Wawona Packing Company, 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 said.
Anyone who purchased the fruit at the store should throw it out and not eat it, the company said. Anyone with questions can contact Wawona Packing Company at (888) 232-9912.
A list of the recalled products with photographs is available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm405945.htm
Scott Morris, Bay City News
