Peaches, nectarines, plums recalled due to Listeria outbreak, one case reported in Ohio
Various peaches, nectarines and plums have all been recalled due to a Listeria outbreak with one case being reported here in Ohio.
According to the CDC, the recall involves whole peaches, nectarines and plums distributed by HMC Farms. The fruits were sold in stores nationwide between May 1, 2022 and November 15 2022 and again between May 1, 2023 and November 15, 2023.
The fruit was sold in two-pound bags either branded "HMC Farms" or "Signature Farms." Additionally, the fruits were also sold individually, with affected products bearing a sticker reading "USA-E-U" and one of the following numbers:
- Yellow peach: 4044 or 4038
- White peach: 4401
- Yellow nectarine: 4036 or 4378
- White nectarine: 3035
- Red plum: 4042
- Black plum: 4040
Investigators are currently working to determine if any additional fruits are affected by this recall. At this time, recalled products are not being sold on store shelves and organic fruit is not affected by this recall.
According to the CDC's website, 11 illnesses related to this recall have been reported in seven states including Ohio, and one death related to the recall has been reported.
A map on the CDC's website shows all states where illnesses were reported but did not specify which state the death happened in.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerator to see if they have any of these recalled products. If you do, you're asked not to consume them and instead throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
Additionally, consumers who find a recalled product in their refrigerator are asked to clean their refrigerator, as well as any containers or other food items that may have touched the fruits.
Listeria is extremely harmful to adults age 65 years old and older, as well as pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. For those who are pregnant, Listeria could cause pregnancy loss, premature birth or a life-threatening infection for a newborn.
For those age 65 and over and those with weakened immune systems, Listeria could result in hospitalization or even death.
Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but could start as early as the same day as eating the contaminated food or as late as 10 weeks later.
Those who are pregnant usually experience fever, muscle aches and tiredness, and those who are not pregnant experience these symptoms as well, but could also experience headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
More pictures and information on the recalled products can be found here.