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Fruit Sold Nationwide Recalled Due to Listeria Outbreak

A listeria outbreak from some fruit sold at retail stores nationwide has reached seven states and resulted in one death. HMC Farms has recalled bags of whole plums, peaches and…

HMC fruit recalled due to listeria contamination

HMC Farms Peaches

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A listeria outbreak from some fruit sold at retail stores nationwide has reached seven states and resulted in one death.

HMC Farms has recalled bags of whole plums, peaches and nectarines sold under its brand Signature Farms peaches and nectarines, as well individual whole fruits.

The fruit affected by the recall was shipped to retail stores across the country, including Walmart and Publix.  It was sold this year from May 1 until the recall.  HMC Farms expressed concern though that peaches, plums and nectarines sold from May 1, 2022 through November 15, 2022 could still be in some consumer's freezers.

Individual Fruit Affected by the Recall Should Have Stickers With the Following Numbers

  • 4044 and 4038 for yellow peaches
  • 4401 for white peaches
  • 4036 and 4378 for yellow nectarines
  • 3035 for white nectarines
  • 4042 and 4040 for red plums

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the current outbreak has sickened 11 people so far, leaving 10 hospitalized.  One California resident died as a result of the listeria bacteria.

Symptoms of Listeria

  • Fever
  • Muscle Aches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms of Severe Form of Listeria

  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of balance
  • Convulsions

Foods Most Commonly Linked to Listeria

  • Soft cheeses
  • Hot dogs and deli meats
  • Meat spreads
  • Smoked seafood
  • Raw or lightly cooked sprouts
  • Raw or processed fruits and vegetables
  • Undercooked poultry

The states that have had confirmed cases of listeria linked to the recalled fruit include California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Colorado.

The CDC says an investigation is underway to determine if any additional fruit or products made with the fruit might be contaminated.

A listeria infection is especially harmful to those ages 65 and older, those who are pregnant, and those with weakened immune systems.

HMC Marketing spokesperson Amy Philpott said, "Our hearts go out to those affected by the outbreak.  We are working tirelessly with the FDA to investigate how the contamination happened."

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Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.