A recent outbreak of listeria has resulted in one death and ten hospitalizations across seven states in the United States. The affected states include California, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Florida. The outbreak has been linked to whole peaches, plums, and nectarines produced by HMC Farms, a California-based produce company.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert after HMC Farms voluntarily recalled the fruits due to a potential health risk. The recall covers fruits sold between May 1 and November 15 in both 2022 and 2023. The fruits were sold individually or in two-pound bags labeled as “HMC Farms” or “Signature Farms.”
Listeria infection can result in various symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While healthy individuals may experience only short-term effects, pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications, such as miscarriages and stillbirths.
HMC Farms has expressed its condolences to those affected by the outbreak and is actively cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the source of contamination. The first illness associated with the outbreak was reported in August 2018, and the number of cases has steadily increased since then.
The CDC believes that additional cases may have gone unnoticed, as some people may recover without seeking medical attention or being tested for listeria. The bacteria is known to contaminate various foods and is the third leading cause of death from food-borne illness in the United States. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to severe illness.
Federal investigators are working to determine if any other fruit or products made with the contaminated fruit may be affected. In the meantime, the CDC advises individuals to dispose of or return the recalled fruit and thoroughly clean areas that have come into contact with it, including refrigerators where listeria can thrive and spread to other food items or surfaces.
FAQ
Q: How many people have been affected by the listeria outbreak?
A: The outbreak has resulted in one death and ten hospitalizations across seven states.
Q: Which states are affected by the outbreak?
A: The affected states include California, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Florida.
Q: What fruits are associated with the outbreak?
A: Whole peaches, plums, and nectarines produced by HMC Farms have been linked to the outbreak.
Q: What are the symptoms of listeria infection?
A: Symptoms of listeria infection can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Q: Who is at highest risk of serious illness from listeria?
A: Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are most likely to experience severe illness if infected with listeria.
Q: What should individuals do if they have the recalled fruit?
A: The CDC advises individuals to either dispose of the recalled fruit or return it to the store.
Sources:
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
– Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
– HMC Farms