U.S. company shipped peaches around the globe; Salmonella outbreak ongoing

A California fruit company shipped peaches, now linked to a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in the U.S. and Canada, to at least 14 other countries around the world.

The fresh peaches shipped by Wawona Packing Co. and Prima Wawona were distributed in bags and in bulk bins, according to an update from the Food and Drug Administration.

“Information received by FDA indicates that recalled Wawona peaches were shipped to foreign consignees in Australia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates,” according to the update. 

“FDA is sharing distribution information directly with foreign food safety authorities in these jurisdictions.”

At least two countries have issued recall alerts for the peaches — New Zealand and Singapore.

In the update the FDA renewed its warning to consumers about the California peaches. Recalled bagged peaches packed or supplied by Prima Wawona from June 1 to Aug. 19 should not be eaten and should be thrown away. Recalled loose/bulk peaches packed or supplied by Prima Wawona from June 1 to Aug. 3 should not be eaten and should be thrown away. Consumers and retailers who cannot determine whether the peaches they have on hand are included in the recall are urged to discard them.

The outbreaks in the United States and Canada have sickened 111 people, 78 in the U.S. and 33 in Canada.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the outbreak illnesses began on dates ranging from June 9 through Aug. 3. Ill people range in age from 1 to 92 years old. Some illnesses might not yet be reported because of the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is laboratory confirmed and reported to the CDC. This takes an average of two to four weeks. 

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

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