HMC Farms, based in Kingsburg, California, is recalling peaches, plums, and nectarines sold nationwide, including in California. This recall, as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is due to possible Listeria contamination. The affected fruits were sold in stores between May 1 and November 15 in both the previous and current years.
The fruit, distributed nationwide, was available in stores including Walmart and Sam’s Club.
On October 23, the FDA collected a sample of peaches from HMC Farms for testing and detected Listeria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. As of November 17, 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported across seven states. The samples from sick individuals were collected between August 22, 2018, and August 16, 2023. Of the ten people with available information, all have been hospitalized. One person became ill during pregnancy, leading to preterm labor. Additionally, one death has been reported from California.
The recalled fruit, sold in 2-pound bags, is branded either “HMC Farms” or “Signature Farms,” or as individual fruits with “USA-E-U” codes and numbers (4044, 4038, 4401, 4036, 4378, 3035, 4042, 4040).
The CDC advises consumers to check for and dispose of any recalled fruit, including those stored in freezers. For inquiries, people can contact the provided number at (844) 483-3867.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE, JUNHAN PARK [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
