Watermelon chunks sold at Walmart and RaceTrac stores are being recalled for potential Listeria contamination. The problem was discovered during a recent inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Country Fresh in Hatfield, PA. The company issued the watermelon recall after swabs collected by the FDA from equipment used to pack the fruit tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that causes serious illness and death.
At the time of the recall, Country Fresh it was not aware of any illnesses. However, consumers who have purchased these product should not eat them as Listeria can cause serious illness and death. Symptoms of an infection include high fever, severe headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Among pregnant women, Listeria can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
Contact the Pritzker Hageman Listeria Team
Phone: 1-888-377-8900 | Text: 1-612-261-0856
The recalled products include clear, plastic clamshell containers of watermelon chunks and mixed fruit with best-if-used by dates of October 2, 3, and 4, 2020. The recalled products were shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac’s retail distribution centers and select stores in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Consumers who have purchased these products and develop symptoms should seek medical care right away.