SunOpta Inc's subsidiary, Sunrise Growers Inc., has taken a significant step in ensuring consumer safety by issuing a voluntary recall of its frozen fruit products.
The recall comes in response to concerns over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses serious health risks.
The affected products, which were distributed to major retailers across the United States, including Walmart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Target, Aldi, and AWG, are being scrutinized for the potential presence of this harmful pathogen.
Potential Listeria Contamination Sparks Recall
According to ABC, the recall of the frozen fruit products from SunOpta's Sunrise Growers is driven by concerns surrounding the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The bacterium can survive refrigeration and freezing, making it essential for consumers to exercise caution and check their freezers for any recalled products.
By promptly addressing the issue and initiating the recall, Sunrise Growers aims to prevent any potential health hazards and protect its customers.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Listeria monocytogenes infections can have severe consequences, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Although healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms such as diarrhea, headache, fever, and nausea, the bacterium can lead to more severe complications, including miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The voluntary recall was initiated by Sunrise Growers Inc. in close collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the potential health risks associated with the consumption of the affected frozen fruit products.
The primary focus of the recall is on items linked to pineapple provided by a third-party supplier, prompting Sunrise Growers to take immediate action to safeguard consumer well-being.
Major Retailers Impacted by the Recall
Customers who have purchased frozen fruit products from prominent retailers need to be aware of the recall and its implications.
According to Progressive Grocer, Walmart, one of the largest retail chains in the United States, has several products included in the recall, including Great Value Dark Sweet Cherries, Great Value Mango Chunks, and Great Value Mixed Fruit.
Whole Foods customers are advised to check their purchases for recalled items such as 365 Organic Tropical Fruit Medley, 365 Organic Pineapple Chunks, and 365 Organic Blackberries. Trader Joe's Organic Tropical Fruit Blend is also among the affected products subject to the recall.
Target shoppers should exercise caution with products such as Good & Gather Organic Cherries and Berries Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Dark Sweet Whole Pitted Cherries, and others.
ALDI's Season's Choice Tropical Blend and AWG's Best Choice Pitted Red Tart Cherries Unsweetened are also part of the recall, emphasizing the wide-ranging impact on multiple retailers.
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Ensuring Consumer Safety and Cooperation with FDA
Sunrise Growers places the utmost priority on consumer safety and has terminated all future business with the third-party supplier responsible for the potential Listeria contamination.
By cooperating closely with the FDA, the company aims to address the issue transparently and minimize health risks.
The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent food safety practices throughout the supply chain and the need for vigilance in maintaining product integrity.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled frozen fruit products are strongly advised to check their freezers immediately. If any of the affected items are found, it is crucial not to consume them.
Instead, customers should either discard the products or return them to the respective stores for a full refund.
It is important to note that other Sunrise Growers products with different lot codes or best-by dates are not affected by this recall.
For further information or inquiries related to the recall, consumers can contact Sunrise Growers Inc. via email at recall@sunrisegrowers.com or by calling 1.888.490.5591 from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
