Stone Fruit Listria Outbreak Prompts CDC Warning

The U.S. CDC is warning consumers about a listeria outbreak that has resulted in one death and 10 hospitalizations. The alert follows a FDA recall for various peaches, nectarines, and plums sold by HMC Farms due to health concerns. The fruits were sold between May 1 and Nov. 15, 2022 and between May 1 and Nov. 15, 2023. The fruits were distributed and sold at retail stores nationwide, with reported cases in California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. The lone death was reported in California. The CDC estimates that the actual number of people affected by the outbreak is likely higher. Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria causing serious infection, potentially contaminated the fruit. Each year, there are about 1,600 cases of listeriosis resulting in approximately 260 deaths, with children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems being most vulnerable. Pregnant individuals can also experience miscarriages or stillbirths if infected. Symptoms of infection include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which can appear within two weeks to 10 weeks. Consumers are advised to discard any recalled fruit or return it to the store.