Listeria Outbreak Linked to Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Packaged in Valley

The Centers for Disease Control issued a food safety alert on Monday for an outbreak of Listeria linked to 2-pound bagged peaches, plums, and nectarines sold under the brand names HMC Farms and Signature Farms.

The CDC said that the fruit from the Kingsburg-based HMC Farms has led to 10 hospitalizations and one death in seven states.

The fruit was sold between May 1 and Nov. 15 in 2022 and this year. After the Food and Drug Administration found Listeria in a sample of peaches, HMC Farms recalled the fruit.

But while the CDC says that the products are no longer in stores, people should check their refrigerators, freezers, and fruit bins and throw them out.

The recall and safety alert also cover individually sold fruit with a “USA-E-U” sticker and these numbers:

• Yellow peach: 4044 or 4038
• White peach: 4401
• Yellow nectarine: 4036 or 4378
• White nectarine: 3035
• Red plum: 4042
• Black plum: 4040

Authorities said an investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.

The CDC says that Listeria is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems.

(GV Wire/Paul Marshall/Source: CDC)