United States
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to HMC Farms peaches, nectarines, and plums. As of November 17, 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 7 states (CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, MI, and OH). All of them have been hospitalized, one person got sick during their pregnancy and had a preterm labor, and 1 death has been reported from California. Sick people’s samples were collected from August 22, 2018, to August 16.
On October 23, the FDA collected a sample of HMC Farms peaches for testing and found Listeria in it. On November 6, WGS showed that the Listeria in the peaches are closely related to bacteria from sick people. This means that people likely got sick from eating these peaches.
On November 17, HMC Farms recalled whole peaches, plums, and nectarines sold in stores nationwide between May 1 and November 15 in 2022 and 2023. These products were sold in 2lb bags branded “HMC Farms” or ”Signature Farms”. Also sold as individual fruit with a sticker that has “USA-E-U” and a number Yellow peach: 4044 or 4038, White peach: 4401, Yellow nectarine: 4036 or 4378, White nectarine: 3035, Red plum: 4042 and Black plum: 4040. Conventional fruit (not organic).
CDC is advising people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled fruit.
In case you are experiencing Listeria monocytogenes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source:
www.cdc.gov
