Nationwide fruit recall affects Costco, Trader Joe's and Walmart among others

CUTLER, Calif., July 22 (UPI) -- A national produce distribution company has issued a recall on over 15,000 lbs of fruit sold at grocers across the U.S. due to potential listeria contamination.

Wawona Packing Co. is recalling 16,235 pounds of peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots shipped from warehouses in Cutler, Calif. between June 1 and July 12 as those products may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that cause listeriosis.

The recalled fruit was shipped around the country to small businesses and regional chains alike, as well as national grocers, including Costco, Trader Joes, Walmart and Wegmans. Additionally, Wegmans has recalled pastries and baked goods made with the potentially contaminated fruit.

The recall is voluntary, as internal testing at Wawona first exposed the potential for contamination.

According to Wawona president Brent Smittcamp there have been no reported cases of contamination but, "by taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, listeriosis is an "'invasive'" infection, in which the bacteria spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

"Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches ... Pregnant women typically experience fever and other non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and aches. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn."