Country Fresh is extending their voluntary fruit recall issued on October 2, 2020, to include various containers of “Freshness Guaranteed “cut and/or sliced apples, grapes, mangos, pineapples, and cantaloupe distributed by Walmart. The recall in nine states is a precautionary measure due to possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes detected on equipment used in an area near where these products are packed.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered these findings during a recent inspection, according to a press release.
Listeria monocytogenes is 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.
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According to the notice, the recall affects product codes of various fresh fruit items shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac’s retail distribution centers and sent to select stores located in AR, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, OK, and TX. The products were packaged in various size clamshell containers. The “best if used by” dates are between October 3, 2020, and October 11, 2020.
Country Fresh has not received any reports of illnesses to date, said the company. RaceTrac and Walmart retail stores are removing the recalled product from store shelves and inventories immediately. Customers who have any recalled product on the list should not consume it and discard it immediately.
Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations, and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. The company is working in close coordination with the FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly and deeply regrets the inconvenience to our consumers and customers, stated the recall notice.