Listeria-Tainted Fruit Recall At New Jersey Walmart Stores

Some types of fruit sold at New Jersey Walmart stores have been recalled because of concerns over Listeria, the FDA said.

According to the FDA, the recalled peaches were distributed by Jac. Vandenberg Inc. and were sold at several retailers, including Walmart stores in New Jersey. In total, 1,727 cartons of fresh Peaches and 1,207 cartons of fresh nectarines have been recalled.

The company is also recalling fresh plums, but none of those were sold at New Jersey Walmarts, the FDA said.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

"Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women," the FDA said.

The peaches and nectarines are sold as a bulk retail produce item with PLU sticker (PLU# 4044, 3035, 4378) showing the country of origin of Chile. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem to date, the FDA said as of Monday morning.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product should return it to Walmart for a full refund.

With reporting by Kara Seymour

Photo credit: Bea Karnes, Patch