Wegmans Food Market Recalls Lemons And Oranges Over Listeria Contamination

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. recalled some types of lemons and oranges after detecting the presence of an organism called listeria monocytogenes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared on its website the press release of Wegmans announcing the recall of certain types of oranges and lemons sold at various stores in six states. Wegmans Food Markets, or Wegmans, is an American supermarket chain with over 100 stores in mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states. The company said a supplier alerted the company about the presence of the germ, which is known to cause listeriosis.

Listeriosis is a severe infection caused by the organism known as listeria monocytogenes. Those who have weak immune systems, the elderly, newborn infants, and pregnant women are considered most at risk from such infection. The FDA said that even healthy people can get infected and experience symptoms like severe headache, nausea, high fever, stiffness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

According to the company's statement, Freshouse Produce, a Wegmans' supplier, detected the presence of the organism on one of the equipment at a packing facility and promptly alerted the supermarket chain. Because of this, Wegmans decided to recall the products over concerns they could harm the consumers who may consume them, TODAY reported.

The company, in a statement, revealed that the affected products are those sold at Wegmans outlets in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Maryland, as well as those located in Brooklyn and Harrison in New York.

The supermarket chain added that the products in question were those sold from July 31 to Aug. 7, which include the 4-pound pack of Wegmans Valencia oranges with Universal Product Code (UPC) 7789052363, the 2-pound bag of Wegmans Lemons with UPC number 7789015917 and bulk lemons with UP Code 4033. Food items that use these products, including fresh chicken meals, seafood platters, AIP veggie pizzas, were also covered by the recall. Those who wish to know the complete list of affected products may visit the website of Wegmans Food Markets.

Wegmans also revealed it placed automated calls to customers using their Shoppers Club card who bought the affected products. To date, there is no report of any illnesses related to the products being recalled.

Company officials advise customers, however, to return the products they bought to their local Wegmans customer service desk for a refund. They may also use the toll-free number 1-855-934-3663 to get in touch with Wegmans Food Markets Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.