California-based Wawona Packing Co. has started a recall of several lots of fresh fruit distributed across the United States, citing concerns of possible listeria contamination as the reason for the move.
The company stated that there were no reports of illness related to its production but the voluntary recall was a precautionary measure, implemented after consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recall affects fresh peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots packed between July 1 and July 12.
According to a statement by the company, Wawona has notified retailers and distributors nationwide of the recall. Concerns over possible listeria contamination were raised after internal tests at the company's packing facility in Cutler, Tulare County. As a result, Wawona closed down the packing lines and sanitized the entire facility. Subsequent tests on production were negative.
The company prioritizes the safety of consumers and aims to minimize the risks to public safety by initiating the recall and making sure potentially harmful products are removed from the market, said Brent Smittcamp, president of Wawona Packing.
In healthy adults listeria infection can cause high fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. It can be very dangerous to children and elderly people, and poses a serious risk to pregnant women as it may cause miscarriage and stillbirth.
