Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Sold In RI Recalled For Listeria Risk

RHODE ISLAND — HMC Farms has recalled peaches, plums and nectarines sold in grocery stores, the Rhode Island Department of Health said Monday.

State health officials said the fruits were recalled because they were potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

HMC Farms recalled all peaches, plums, and nectarines solid in retail stores between May 1 and Nov. 15, 2022, and between May 1 and Nov. 15, 2023.

The recalled fruit was distributed nationwide and sold at retail stores. This recall includes only conventionally grown fruit. No organic fruit is being recalled.

The recalled peaches have been linked to an outbreak of listeriosis that has resulted in 11 illnesses, state health officials said.

Although the recalled fruit is no longer available in retail stores, consumers may have frozen the recalled fruit at home for later use. Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the recalled fruit, not eat it, and throw it away.

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