Staying Fit
A variety of prepared packaged fruits sold in clamshell containers at Walmart stores in nine states are being recalled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected Listeria monocytogenes on equipment used by the supplier of the fruits.
The supplier, Country Fresh, issued a voluntary recall on certain prepackaged sliced fruits with “best if used by” dates between Oct 3. and Oct. 11. The recall applies to sliced apples, cantaloupe chunks, cut mango, cut pineapple, grapes, and assorted fruit trays and fruit blends. (See the full list of recalled products including packaging photos.)
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The same supplier issued a recall days earlier on watermelon chunks sold in five states by Walmart and RaceTrac, a gas station chain. The watermelon chunks, packaged in clamshell containers, are marked with “best if used by” dates of Oct. 2, 3 and 4.
Consumers who purchased products with the affected sell-by dates are urged to throw them away. Meanwhile, Walmart is removing the products from its store shelves.
"Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks,” the supplier said in a news release. “Country Fresh is working in close coordination with FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly and deeply regrets the inconvenience to our consumers and customers."
States affected by cut fruit recall
- Arkansas*
- Illinois*
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri*
- Oklahoma*
- Texas*
*States also affected by earlier watermelon recall
What is listeria?
Listeriosis, the infection caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes, primarily affects older adults, newborns, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. It can cause fever and diarrhea, and severe cases can cause infections of the bloodstream or brain. Infections may also affect other parts of the body including bones, joints, chest and abdomen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
No illnesses connected to the current fruit recalls have been reported.
Consumers with any questions are being asked to contact Country Fresh's customer service line at 877-251-8399, 8 a.m to 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.
