The Food and Drug Administration has concluded its investigation into a Listeria outbreak that affected 11 individuals across seven states. The outbreak was linked to conventionally grown peaches, plums, and nectarines that were voluntarily recalled by HMC Farms.
HMC Farms, the supplier of the recalled fruit, had initiated the recall in both November 2022 and November 2023. Following the initiation of the recall, the FDA conducted an inspection of the packing facilities and collected environmental samples. Subsequently, two environmental sub-samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Genome sequencing analysis confirmed that the strain of Listeria found in the sub-samples matched the strain involved in the outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 11 illnesses, with 10 hospitalizations and one fatality across seven states. The CDC’s last specimen collection was on August 16, 2023.
This development comes as the FDA ends its probe and the voluntary recall of the affected fruits by HMC Farms. The conclusion of the investigation brings closure to the Listeria outbreak, providing important insights for food safety measures and regulations.
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