Country Fresh watermelon chunks recalled over Listeria

Country Fresh is recalling watermelon chunks from select stores because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects product codes of watermelon items shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac’s stores in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas.

Listeria monocytogenes was detected on equipment used in packing this product during a recent FDA inspection.

The product was packaged in a variety of clam shell containers with best-if-used by dates of October 2, 3, and 4. 

The recall products:

Walmart – Freshness Guaranteed

Watermelon 4 x 10 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672

Watermelon 2 x 32 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672 

Watermelon Chunks 2 x 42 oz – UPC Code: 681131180658 

Watermelon Spears 4 x 16 oz – UPC Code: 681131180665

Summer Blend FTC 4 x 5 oz – UPC Code: 681131355094

RaceTrac

Watermelon 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641000644 

Melon Trio 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641031945

As of now, Country Fresh has not received any reports of illnesses to date associated with these recalled items. The recalled products were distributed from 9/23/2020 – 9/25/2020. 

The FDA says that RaceTrac and Walmart retail stores are removing the recalled product from store shelves and inventories immediately. Customers are advised to discard any of the recalled products immediately and not consume it.

Country Fresh is working in close coordination with the FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly.. If consumers have any questions, they can contact Country Fresh customer service at 1-877-251-8300.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)