The Trader Joe’s recall that has fresh produce going to waste all over the nation is not actually just affecting Trader Joe’s.
The alert is also for Costco, Kroger, and Wal-Mart stores, including Sam’s, among others. According to the recall statement,
“Wawona Packing Company of Cutler, Calif is voluntarily recalling certain lots of whole peaches (white and yellow), nectarines (white and yellow), plums and pluots packed between June 1, 2014 through July 12,2014 due to the potential of the products being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.”
It continued in explanation, “Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”
1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths are caused by Listeria each year in the United States. Outbreaks have been slowing down since 2001, but 2011 saw the largest outbreak in US history from contaminated cantalopes grown at a Colorado Farm. That outbreak caused 127 illnesses and killed nearly three dozen.
“Fruit sold as individual pieces should have a sticker on it; the recalled product stickers will read ‘Sweet2Eat.” Wawona stated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_CgRlmD5oQ
No illnesses have been reported yet, and the recall is simply a fast reaction to an alert of possible contamination from an Australian customer. After the alert, equipment was tested and listeria was detected.
“We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products,” said Wawona President Brent Smittcamp. “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 several of its baked goods that contain fruit from the Wawona Fruit Company.
For a complete list of what to avoid, read the recall statement here.
Image via YouTube