Recall of peaches, plums and nectarines linked to listeria outbreak, CDC says

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, the elderly, pregnant women and others with weakened immune systems.

WASHINGTON — Peaches, plums and nectarines sold nationwide are being recalled for a possible risk of listeria.

The recalled fruits, distributed by HMC Farms between May 1 and Nov. 15 in 2022 and 2023, have been linked to 11 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations and one death across seven states, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

HMC Group Marketing Inc. issued a voluntary recall of the fruits on Friday, Nov. 17 due to potentially being contaminated with listeria. The fruits were sold at retail stores nationwide as individual pieces bearing the “USA-E-U” stickers and in two-pound bags branded “HMC Farms” or “Signature Farms.”

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Short-term symptoms may include high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating contaminated food but could come as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after, the CDC said.

Consumers are urged to check their homes, including their fridges and freezers, for the recalled fruits and asked to throw them away. Those with the recalled items may contract the company’s consumer information desk at 844-483-3867 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Health officials said investigators are working to determine if any more fruit or products made with the recalled items may be contaminated.