Nationwide Listeria Alert: Deadly Outbreak Linked to HMC Farms’ Fruit Products
CDC Urges Immediate Action
A nationwide alert has been issued in the United States following a deadly listeria outbreak linked to popular fruit products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the source as peaches, plums, or nectarines from HMC Farms.
Tragic Toll and Urgent Response
Tragically, one person has already died, and ten others were hospitalized, including a pregnant woman who experienced pre-term labor after consuming HMC Farms’ fruit products. The CDC is advising consumers who purchased these items between May 1 and November 15 in 2022 and 2023 to discard them immediately.
Identifying the Contaminated Products
The affected products are sold in 2lb bags and bear the HMC Farms or Signature Farms branding, with specific identifying numbers for each fruit variant. Additionally, individual fruits with a sticker labeled USA-E-U and a corresponding number may also be contaminated.
Geographical Spread and Growing Concerns
The outbreak has surfaced in seven states: California, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. However, the CDC warns that the number of infected individuals is likely to rise as it can take up to four weeks to confirm connections to the outbreak.
Listeria’s Persistence and Serious Consequences
Listeria is a rare but dangerous bacteria that can survive in refrigerators and easily spread to other foods and surfaces. Pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems face severe risks if exposed, with listeriosis carrying a case-fatality rate of approximately 20-30%.
Symptoms and Potential Complications
Listeriosis can manifest with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, progressing to more severe complications like sepsis or meningitis in serious cases. The CDC emphasizes the importance of swift action to minimize the risk of further infections.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times
