Listeria Contamination Spurs Recall of Fruits at Costco, Trader Joe's

A report says Costco, Trader Joe's and other major retailers have been warned that particular lots of its peaches, plums and nectarines might be contaminated with listeria and customers need to be informed.

According to the Central California Wawona Packing company, the supplier,  no illnesses have been reported till now.

"We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of this product. By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority." told Wawona President Brent Smittcamp, in a statement, reports CBS Los Angeles.

The recalled fruits was packed and shipped on June 1 through July 12 to retailers, according to the company. After discovering the contamination, it shut down its packing lines, retrofitted some equipment and sanitized the facility. Subsequent tests have been negative for the bacteria, said officials from Wawona.

Listeria is a  rare bacterial infection that comes from contaminated food.  The Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium which is capable of surviving both in presence of oxygen or its absence. It affects pregnant women, newborns, adults and elderly as it weakens immune systems, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In United States, an approximate of 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths are caused by the same health issue annually. Since 2001 the outbreaks have dropped but in 2011 the largest out break happened in the U.S. when cantaloupes from a farm in Colorado sickened 147 individuals and killed at least 35. Consumers with questions can contact Wawona Packing at 1-888-232-9912 Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. or visit the company's website, here.