H2 “Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Issues Voluntary Recall for HMC Farms Whole Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines Due to Potential Listeria Contamination”
Key Highlights:
– The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health is warning residents about a voluntary recall of conventional whole peaches, plums, and nectarines by HMC Farms due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
– Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. It can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
– The recalled fruits were sold nationwide, including in Hawaiʻi, under brand names such as HMC Farms and Signature Farms.
– Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled fruit, not consume it, and discard it. The products were sold between May 1 to November 15, 2022, and between May 1 to November 15, 2023.
Article:
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) has issued a voluntary recall warning for HMC Farms whole peaches, plums, and nectarines due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall is a crucial health alert for residents, as Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Additionally, pregnant women are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirths if infected with Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected fruits were sold nationwide, including in Hawaiʻi, under various brand names such as HMC Farms and Signature Farms. It’s essential for consumers to be aware of the potential risk and take necessary precautions.
The recall covers all HMC Farms peaches, plums, and/or nectarines sold between May 1 to November 15, 2022, and between May 1 to November 15, 2023. These products were sold as individual pieces of fruit or in consumer packaging. While the recalled fruit is no longer available for sale in retail stores, consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled fruit, not consume it, and discard it.
To date, eleven illnesses have been reported nationally, but there have been no reported illnesses in Hawai‘i attributed to the recalled fruit products. However, it’s crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety.
For more information, consumers may contact HMC Farms by calling 1-844-483-3867 from 3:00 AM to 3:00 PM HST. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health urges residents to take this recall seriously and to prioritize their health and safety.
This voluntary recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated products. It also highlights the proactive measures taken by the Department of Health to ensure the well-being of the community.