Country Fresh Listeria Lawyer Update: Cut Fruit Products Recalled Due to Listeria Risks.

A recent recall was announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 1st, 2020, affecting watermelon chunks sold by County Fresh in select stores due to a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was later expanded on to include sliced apples, grapes, mangos, pineapples, and cantaloupe distributed by Walmart on October 3rd, due to possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes detected on equipment used in an area near where these products are packed. The watermelon products affected by the recall were sold at select Walmart and RaceTrac locations. 

Country Fresh the distributor of the potentially contaminated products stated to the FDA that they have yet to receive any reports of illnesses to date associated with these recalled items. The products affected by the recall were distributed from September 23, 2020, to September 25, 2020. The products were distributed to Walmart and RaceTrac’s retail distribution centers stores in select stores located in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. The “Best-by” date of the recalled products ranged from October 2 to October 4, 2020, a full list of the recalled products can be found in the FDA report page.

The FDA and Country Fresh have advised all consumers to avoid eating any of the recalled products and dispose of them immediately. According to the FDA, Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations, and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Country Fresh is also working alongside the FDA in its investigation to resolve the incident as soon as possible. 

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause a serious and sometimes fatal infection known as Listeriosis in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Listeriosis can at times included high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. People who believe they may have ingested any of the recalled products should contact a medical health care provider as soon as possible and inform them of the potential listeria monocytogenes exposure. Ron Simon, a national listeria lawyer, stated:

“In cases where a diagnosis of listeriosis occurs, the infection is generally an “invasive” infection, which means that the Listeria has spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract and into other parts of the body. The specific symptoms of listeriosis depend on the person infected and the kind of infection.”

For more information on the County Fresh fruit recall, to speak to Listeria Lawyer, or to inquire about a Listeria Lawsuit, call 1-888-335-4901.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/country-fresh-voluntary-product-recall

https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/walmart-recall-watermelon-apple-fruit-october-2020

https://www.ibtimes.com/fruit-recall-2020-apples-grapes-mango-walmart-recalled-potential-listeria-3057585