Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Country Fresh is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of watermelon chunks from select stores as a precautionary measure due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes detected on equipment used in packing this product.
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 recall affects product codes of watermelon items shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac’s retail distribution centers stores in select stores located in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The product was packaged in a variety of clam shell containers.
Country Fresh has not received any reports of illnesses to date associated with these recalled items.
The recalled products were distributed from 9/23/2020 – 9/25/2020.
RaceTrac and Walmart retail stores are removing the recalled product from store shelves and inventories immediately.
Customers with recalled watermelon should discard it immediately and not consume it.
This recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks.
Country Fresh is working in close coordination with FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly and deeply regrets the inconvenience to our consumers and customers.