A possible listeria bacterial contamination has led to a recall of several pitted fruits nationwide. According to Dr. Joshua Copel, an OB-GYN with the Yale School of Medicine and an attending physician with Yale-New Haven Hospital, however, this is not a major case for concern.
Dr. Copel has said that the Listeria bacteria, which can cause miscarriage or still birth, is present in about 5 percent of the population, and that many of these people don’t show any symptoms. Dr Copel also went on to say that people should not panic, and should wait until symptoms begin to appear before going to your physician.
Brent Smittcamp, who is currently the President of Wawona packing, issued a statement regarding the voluntary recall, and has said that:
“By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health.”
Dr Copel continued by saying that there if anybody contracts the bacteria, it certainly won’t be in the high numbers. He also warned that people should look out for flu-like symptoms such as, nausea, headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, and fever.
According to reports, the recalled fruit had only been sent out to a few retailers, most notably Costco Wholesale Corp. and Trader Joe’s between July 1 and 12.
According to Smittcamp, it isn’t currently known where the contamination originated, and the company issued the recall because it doesn’t know all of the companies that bought fruit from its wholesalers. Consumers are advised to visit www.wawonapacking.com or call 888-232-9912 if they believe that they are in possession of some of the contaminated product.
After the contamination was discovered, the company shut down its packing lines, retrofitted some equipment and sanitized the facility. The company has also said that subsequent tests in the facility have all been negative for the bacteria.