FOOD SAFETY NEWS – Freshcut fruit from Liberty Fruit Company Inc. is being recalled after government testing found a sample positive for Salmonella.
The Kansas City, KS, company distributed the products to retailers and foodservice operations in four states, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.
The products are packaged in 4-ounce, 8-ounce, 16-ounce and 32-ounce consumer containers as well as 5-pound foodservice containers.
The recalled products are labeled as one of the following:
Fruit Medley, Fruit Tray, Fruit Salad, Cantaloupe Chunks, Hawaiian Blend, and Melon Medley. The expiration dates marked on the labels range from March 21 through March 26.
The products were marketed under the label Liberty Fruit Co. Inc. and/or Carol’s Cuts with the following UPC codes:
886810710052, 886810710250, 886810710076, 886810710120, 886810710014, 886810710069, 886810060560, 886810060591, 886810060546, 886810710403, 886810710410, 886810710793, 886810710502, 886810710762, 886810710724, 886810974263, 886810710809, 886810731002, 886810731019.
For photos of all affected product labels, click here.
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As of the posting of the recall notice no illnesses had been confirmed in relation to the products.
“If you have any of the products described above, do not consume it,” the recall notice states. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 913-281-5200.”
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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