Fruit Recall 2020: Watermelon Sold At Walmart, RaceTrac Recalled Over Possible Listeria Contamination

Country Fresh has issued a recall for watermelon sold at select Walmart and RaceTrac stores because it may be contaminated with Listeria.

The affected fruit was sold in watermelon chunks, spears, melon trios, and summer blends. It was shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac retail distribution center stores in the states of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas.

The recalled watermelon was packaged in various clamshell containers with best if used by dates of Oct. 2, Oct. 3, and Oct. 4.

SKU numbers for the recalled watermelon sold at Walmart under the Freshness Guaranteed brand include:

• 4 x 10-ounce packages with UPC Code: 681131180672
• 2 x 32-ounce packages with UPC Code: 681131180672
• 2 x 42-ounce packages with UPC Code: 681131180658
• 4 x 16-ounce packages with UPC Code: 681131180665
• FTC 4 x 5-ounce packages with UPC Code: 681131355094

SKU numbers for the recalled watermelon sold at RaceTrac include:

• 5.5-ounce packages with UPC Code: 74641000644
• 5.5-ounce packages with UPC Code: 74641031945

Labels of the recalled watermelon can be viewed here.

Country Fresh recalled the potentially contaminated fruit as a “precautionary measure” due to a Listeria risk. Listeria was found to be present by the Food and Drug Administration on equipment within the company’s facility that is used to pack the watermelon during an inspection. Country Fresh has not received any reports of illness from the recalled fruit.

Consumers that have purchased the watermelon should discard it immediately. It should not be consumed. Questions about the recall can be directed to Country Fresh Customer Service at 1-877-251-8300, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal reactions in children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.