US : California firm issues fruit recall for listeria contamination

A California packing company has voluntarily recalled fruit that was sold to several major retailers, including stores in the Tampa Bay area.

Wawona Packing is recalling peaches, nectarines, plums, and a hybrid fruit called the pluot. The fruit was packed between June 1 and July 12.

Stores in the Bay area carrying the fruit include Trader Joe’s, Costco, Sam’s and BJ’s.

Listeria can sometimes cause serious infections in the young and elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms are flu-like and can include high fever and stiffness.

“We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products,” Brent Smittcamp, president of Wawona Packing, 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.”

The federal agency says the recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that patients with listeria may experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle aches and convulsions. People with weak immune systems and pregnant women are the most at-risk of developing more serious symptoms associated with the infection.

Symptoms typically appear within a month or two of consuming contaminated materials. While listeria can be deadly if not discovered in time, the CDC says that the disease can be treated with antibiotics and urges consumers to seek treatment if they begin exhibiting symptoms after eating possibly tainted foods.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.

Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Consumers with questions can contact Wawona Packing Co. at 1-888-232-9912.

Agencies/Canadajournal