The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall for fruit sold across 43 states after tests confirmed contamination with a dangerous bacteria that can pose serious health risks.
The affected products, which include popular varieties of fresh fruit, were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen known to cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
What You Need to Know
The FDA is advising consumers who may have purchased the affected fruit to:
- Check packaging for specific brand names and lot numbers
- Dispose of any potentially contaminated products immediately
- Thoroughly clean storage areas that held the recalled items
Symptoms to Watch For
Health officials warn that symptoms of listeria infection may include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms can appear within days or take as long as 70 days to manifest after consuming contaminated food.
Retailer Response
Major supermarket chains have begun removing the affected products from shelves, while distributors work to identify the source of contamination. The FDA continues to investigate whether additional products might be affected.
This recall comes amid increased scrutiny of food safety protocols following several high-profile contamination incidents in recent years.
