Listeria Contamination Prompts Recall of Various Fruits

A nationwide recall has asked that Costco, Trader Joe's and other major retails remove specific lots of fresh peaches, plums and nectarines over possible listeria contamination.

Though no illnesses have been reported at this time, according to Central California produce company Wawona Packing, precautionary measures should be taken.

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

The recalled fruit was packed and shipped to retailers from June 1 through July 12, according to the company.

Listeria, also known as listeriosis, is a serious infection typically caused by consuming food that is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium capable of surviving in both the presence or absence of oxygen. It primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Each year alone, it is also estimated that 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths are caused by the health issue in the United States. Though outbreaks have been down since 2001, the largest outbreak in U.S. history occurred just in 2011 when cantaloupes from a farm in Colorado sickened 147 individuals and killed three dozen of them.

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.