A nationwide recall has been issued for frozen fruit packages due to potential listeria contamination. The recall, initiated by Sunrise Growers Inc., covers a range of frozen fruit products sold across the United States , Your Content has learned.
Consumers are urged to check their freezers for affected items.
Popular grocery chains such as Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi, along with independent grocery stores, are among the retailers affected by the recall.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a notice on their website detailing the recall.
The recall notice explains that certain packages of frozen pineapple included in the recalled products were potentially contaminated with the listeria bacteria.
The pineapple was sourced from a third-party supplier. Although the recall is voluntary, Sunrise Growers Inc. advises consumers to take precautionary measures.
To help identify the affected products, here is a breakdown by grocery store:
- Walmart: Great Value Mixed Fruit, Great Value Dark Sweet Cherries, and Great Value Mango Chunks sold at stores in multiple states from January 19, 2023, to June 13, 2023.
- Whole Foods: 365 Organic Tropical Fruit Medley, 365 Organic Pineapple Chunks, 365 Pineapple Chunks, 365 Organic Whole Strawberries, 365 Organic Slice Strawberries and Bananas, and 365 Organic Blackberries distributed to select stores from November 1, 2022, to June 21, 2023.
- Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend distributed to select locations in various states and Washington, DC, from March 28, 2023, to April 11, 2023.
- Target: Good & Gather Organic Cherries and Berries Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Dark Sweet Whole Pitted Cherries, Good & Gather Mango Strawberry Blend, Good & Gather Mixed Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Mango Chunks, Good & Gather Blueberries, and Good & Gather Triple Berry Blend distributed nationwide from October 14, 2022, to May 22, 2023.
- Aldi: Season’s Choice Tropical Blend distributed to select locations in multiple states from October 11, 2022, to May 22, 2023.
- Independent Grocery Stores: Best Choice Pitted Red Tart Cherries Unsweetened distributed to select locations in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma from April 5, 2023, to May 4, 2023.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria associated with the contaminated fruit, can cause severe infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirths if infected.
Symptoms of listeria infection include high fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, consumers are strongly advised not to consume any of the recalled fruit.
The recommended course of action is to either discard the products or return them to the store for a refund.
It’s worth noting that this recall comes at a time when federal regulators are already cautioning consumers about a separate recall involving frozen fruit contaminated with hepatitis A.
As a precautionary measure, individuals are encouraged to thoroughly check their freezers for any potentially affected products, according to FOX61.