A Trader Joe’s recall in 2014 is targeting fruit such as fresh peaches, plums, nectarines, and plums that may have been contaminated by listeria.
In a related report by The Inquisitr , this is not the first Trader Joe’s recall in 2014 . Earlier in the year there was an E. coli problem that effected 181,000 pounds of salads and sandwiches. Two months ago the company recalled seven tons of hummus due to listeria as well.
In this case, it is not just Trader Joe’s recalling the fruit. Wawona Packing Co. supplies its products to Walmart, Costco, and Sam’s Club, and all of the fruit may have potentially been contaminated with Listeria moncytogenes. The company caught the potential outbreak at one of its packing house facilities and issued a nationwide recall.
According to Wawona President Brent Smittcamp, the facility was shut down and sanitized, and, so far, tests have been negative for the food-borne illness:
“We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products. By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority.”
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. has also recalled baked goods like cakes, pies, tarts, and other pastries because they rely upon fruit provided by Wawona Packing.
The Trader Joe’s recall includes fruits sold individually from June 2 through July 18:
Organic White Nectarine Organic Yellow Nectarine White Nectarine Yellow Nectarine Organic Yellow Peach White Peach Yellow Peach Organic Dapple Dandy Plumcot Plum
The Trader Joe’s recall also includes fruit sold in 4-pound boxes from June 2 to July 19:
Trader Joe’s Peaches 4LB Box Trader Joe’s Nectarines 4LB Box
The danger posed by a listeria outbreak should not be dismissed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1,600 people a year become sick due to this bacterium, and listeriosis causes 260 deaths annually. Listeriosis symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches. Pregnant women, infants, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable due to listeria.
The Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s recall has each company saying that customers can return products sold during those time frames for a full refund.