Costco and Trader Joe’s Fruit Recalled

Listeria contamination

UNITED STATES – As reported in an online news article published by www.smdailyjournal.com, a California packing company has issued a recall of certain whole fruit sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s and other retailers for potential Listeria contamination.

Wawona Packing Company of Cutler has recalled certain whole fruit sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s and other retailers after determining that some fruit may be contaminated with Listeria.  While there have been no reported illnesses, the packing company recalled the fruit after it discovered the potential for contamination following internal company testing.

The fruit which may have been contaminated with listeria includes peaches, nectarines, plums, and pluots.  The affected fruits were packed between June 1, 2019, and July 12, 2019, and shipped directly to retailers and wholesalers.

Because Wawona Packing Company is not aware of which retailers and wholesalers received the potentially contaminated fruit, the company has issued a nationwide recall.  The packing company shut down the packing lines which may have been contaminated with listeria, retrofitted its equipment, and sanitized all facilities. No further traces of Listeria have been found.  Customers who purchased whole fruit at Costco or Trader Joe’s are instructed to avoid eating the fruit and immediately throw the fruit out.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a harmful bacterium that is a common culprit of food poisoning. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria affects approximately 1,600 people each year in the United States, and approximately 260 of these people will die.

Listeria can cause unpleasant symptoms for healthy individuals, including, among others, high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, severe headache, and stiffness.  For children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions, listeria can cause severe infections which may be fatal. Also, for pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.  The CDC states that listeria is most likely to affect pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.