Company recalls fruit due to possible listeria contamination

Fruit sold at Costco, Trader Joe's, other stores

ORLANDO, Fla. – A California packing company has issued a nationwide recall of several types of fruit out of fears it could be contaminated. Some of that fruit may have ended up in Florida.

The fruit came from the Wawona Packing Company of California and includes nectarines, peaches and plums. The recall was issued after some of the fruits tested positive for the potentially dangerous Listeria monocytogenes.

The fruit was sold to several stores, including Trader Joe's, Sam's Club, Costco and BJ's Wholesale Club, but because the company isn't sure exactly where the fruit ended up, it issued a nationwide recall.

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

The fruit came through the company's facility from July 1 to July 12. So far, there have been no reports of any illnesses.

"It concerns me," shopper Dale Farrow said. "We have three small children and we provide them with fresh fruits and vegetables, so it's a concern to us."

Listeria can cause symptoms like headaches, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The bacteria can cause sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

If you have fruit purchased from one of the major retailers like BJs, Sam's or Costco, they will refund you money if you return the fruit.

Click here for a full list of recalled products.


About the Authors:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

John Ambrogne is an executive producer for News 6 and has been with WKMG-TV since 2012. John graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University and has covered breaking news and major events in Central Florida since 2002.