Several major retailers, including Walmart, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's, are voluntarily recalling frozen fruit products due to a potential risk of bacterial contamination. Sunrise Growers Inc., a subsidiary of SunOpta Inc., issued the recall after discovering that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Although no illnesses have been reported, the company advises consumers to check their freezers for the affected products and dispose of them or return them to the store for a refund.
Listeriosis is a serious infection that can be fatal, particularly for pregnant women and newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and more. The illness usually occurs within 2 weeks of consuming contaminated food.
The frozen fruit products affected by the recall include Great Value Mixed Fruit, Great Value Dark Sweet Cherries, and Great Value Mango Chunks (Walmart), 365 Organic Tropical Fruit Medley, 365 Organic Pineapple Chunks, 365 Pineapple Chunks, and more (Whole Foods), and Trader Joe's Organic Tropical Fruit Blend (Trader Joe's), among others. The recall applies to specific lot numbers and "best by" dates, which can be found on the FDA website.
If you have concerns about any symptoms, it's recommended that you contact a physician immediately. Consumers seeking more information about the recall can email [email protected] or call 1.888.490.5591 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.