FDA and CDC Investigating Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peach Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that is linked to a massive peach recall. Foodborne illnesses are being reported in nine states in the United States. Reports are also beginning to show that the outbreak is moving into Canada. Here is what we know so far.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Peach Recall

A Company Announcement from the FDA details the peach recall, which includes several brands sold at popular retailers. The peach recall includes loose and bulk peaches sold by Prima Wawona of Fresno, California. The peaches may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The peaches are linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has affected more than 60 people in the U.S.

All of the peaches were sold between June 1^st and August 3^rd 2020. Consumers can identify the peaches by the following brand and UPC codes:

Wawona Peaches – 033383322001
Wawona Organic Peaches – 849315000400
Prima® Peaches – 766342325903
Organic Marketside Peaches – 849315000400
Kroger Peaches – 011110181749
Wegmans Peaches – 077890490488

The peaches may be in bags, or may be sold loose in retail bins. Lose peaches may have stickers on the fruit containing a PLU number. The PLU numbers included in the FDA’s announcement are 4037, 4038, 4044, 4401, 94037, 94038, 94044, 94401. PLU numbers may also apply to loose peaches sold at:

Aldi
Food Lion
Hannaford
Kroger
City Market
Fry’s
Food 4 Less
Foods, Co.
King Soopers
Ralphs
Smiths
Target
Wal-Mart
Wegmans

According to USA Today, Target and Aldi both have announced a peach recall individually based on guidance from state and federal officials.

CDC Issues Food Safety Alert Amid Peach Recall

According to a Food Safety Alert from the CDC, 68 people in the U.S. are ill due to the Salmonella outbreak, and 14 have been hospitalized. Furthermore, in Canada, 33 people are ill in Ontario and Quebec. Three people in Canada have also been hospitalized.

The CDC offers some helpful information for consumers about identifying the symptoms of Salmonella and getting proper medical care.

**Symptoms of Salmonella Infection**

If you have a Salmonella infection, you can expect symptoms to develop anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. The symptoms of Salmonella infection include:

Fever
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting

Most infections last between 4-7 days, and healthy individuals usually recover without incident. There are some cases, however, that become more serious and require medical attention or hospitalization.

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of Salmonella and develop:

A fever over 102
Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days
Blood in your stools
Prolonged vomiting preventing you from holding liquids down
Dizziness
Dry mouth or throat
Decrease in urine output

These symptoms may indicate the infection is spreading, or that you are suffering from dehydration. Either case can be dangerous and you should get medical attention right away.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have any of the produce included in this peach recall, you should dispose of it or return it to the store for a refund. The FDA also urges consumers not to consume peaches that may contain Salmonella.

The CDC recommends that consumers affected by the peach recall report the illness to their local Health Department. That helps the Health Department track illnesses and update the CDC about the outbreak. The Health Department may ask you some questions about your illness, what you ate and when your symptoms began.

Consumers with questions about the peach recall can contact Prima Wawona at 1-877-722-7554 or visit their website. Consumers can also learn more about the FDA and CDC investigation here.

Sources: