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California Packing Company Issues Voluntary Nationwide Fruit Recall

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Jul 22, 2014 03:16 PM EDT

Wawona Packing Co. has issued a voluntary recall warning consumers about potential bacterial contamination in their peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots. The fruits were packed at the company's warehouses located in Cutler, CA and distributed to many big-name stores, such as Costco, Trader Joe's and Walmart.

According to the company, the fruits in question were packaged between June 1 and July 12. Wawona has stated that these fruits might have been infected with Listeria monocytogenes after the company conducted internal testing. The packing centers have been shut down and sanitized. The tests results post-sanitization were negative for Listeria.

"We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products," Wawona President Brent Smittcamp said in a statement reported by CNN. "By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority."

The companies that have received the contaminated products have already sent out notices informing their customers about the potential risks involved with consuming these products. Trader Joe's has instructed their customers to return the produce for a full a refund. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. has recalled many of it baked goods that were made with the potentially infected fruits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recall news release for Wegmans can be found here.

Listeria monocytogenes causes Listeriosis, which is a food borne illness. Symptoms of this bacterial infection include gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, fever and muscle aches. The infection is considered serious for pregnant women, babies, seniors and people with jeopardized immune systems. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeriosis can be linked to around 1,600 illnesses and 260 casualties every year.

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