Country Fresh recalls fresh-cut watermelon for listeria concerns
Country Fresh is recalling fresh-cut watermelon for possible Listeria Monocytogenes contamination.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall, but the company detected listeria on equipment used to pack the fresh-cut products, according to a Country Fresh notice on the Food and Drug Administration website.
The watermelon chunks were shipped to Walmart and RaceTrac distribution centers/stores in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas, and distributed Sept. 23-25 in a variety of clamshell containers, according to the notice. Best-if-used-by dates are Oct. 2, 3 and 4.
The products are:
Walmart watermelon, 10 ounces, Universal Product Code 681131180672;
- Walmart watermelon, 32 ounces, UPC 681131180672;
- Walmart watermelon, 42 ounces UPC 681131180658;
- Walmart watermelon spears, 16 ounces, UPC 681131180665;
- Walmart Summer Blend (also with blueberries and honeydew chunks), 5 ounces, UPC 681131355094;
- RaceTrac watermelon, 5.5 ounces, UPC 74641000644; and
- RaceTrac Melon Trio, 5.5 ounces, UPC 74641031945
“Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks,” according to the company’s recall notice. “Country Fresh is working in close coordination with FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly and deeply regrets the inconvenience to our consumers and customers.”
