Listeria Costco Fruit Recall, Listeria Facts And Who’s At Risk

A listeria scare has caused a packaging company in California to recall several fruit items that were shipped to several high profile grocery retail chains throughout the U.S. CBS News is reporting that Wawona Packaging Company, located at 12133 Avenue 408 Cutler, California, has recalled yellow and white nectarines, pluots, plums, and yellow and white peaches due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria is a deadly bacteria that can thrive in human cells.

The fruit growing company, which was founded in 1948, typically ships fruit to various grocery chains in the United States, such as Trader Joe’s, Costco, Sams Club, Food 4 Less, Ralphs, just to name a few. Baked goods containing the possibly contaminated fruit are also being recalled, according to the Los Angles Times.

The Wawona Packaging Company has contacted all of its clients to ask them to remove the affected and possibly infected fruit items. Consumers of these grocery retail chains should also check the date on fruits bought from the above stores. Listeria contaminated fruits would be marked between June 1 and July 12. As the Inquisitr reported earlier, the listeria nationwide recall is a precautionary step to prevent any health risks.

So far there have been no reported cases of listeria contamination, according to Wawona Packaging Company president Brent Smittcap.

“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.”

If a consumer suspects that a fruit item has been contaminated with listeria, they should make no attempt to wash or rinse the fruit as it is impossible to see the contamination with the naked eye. If the fruit has been recalled it should be promptly discarded. It may also be helpful to discard any other fruit or food item that has been sitting in close proximity to the fruit inside of a refrigerator.

A few listeria facts: Pregnant women, children and those with a weakened immune system are especially at risk for Listeria. In healthy people, Listeria is quickly eliminated. But in someone with a compromised immune system, it can get into the bloodstream which causes listeriosis—leading to a deadly form of meningitis, according to BlackDoctor.org.

According to the FDA’s press release, if consumers have questions about Listeria fruit contamination, they should visit the company website at wawonapacking.com or call the company directly at 1-888-232-9912 between the hours of 8am-5pm Eastern time Monday through Friday.