Citrus Sold at Wegmans Recalled for Listeria Risk
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On Monday the popular grocer Wegmans recalled lemons and Valencia oranges sold under the Wegmans’ brand for possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The fruits, sold at Wegmans stores in Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Brooklyn and Harrison, N.Y., were supplied by Freshouse II, a produce-packing company in Salisbury, N.C.
Freshouse has also recalled limes, red potatoes, and other brands of lemons sold to wholesalers and distributors in five states: Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. The company says that one of its pieces of equipment tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
No illnesses have been reported. But listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. It’s also dangerous for pregnant women because infection with the bacteria can lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, and stillbirth.
We reached out to Freshouse to ask which other retailers were affected, but it didn't immediately respond to our request.
If you purchased any of the products involved in the Wegmans or Freshouse recalls (see chart and images below), it’s important that you not eat them. There’s no guarantee that washing produce will get rid of listeria (or any bacteria that causes foodborne illness), says James E. Rogers, Ph.D., director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports. It’s better to throw it away or return it to the store.
The affected produce items were sold between July 31 and Aug. 7, 2020. In addition to the retail products listed here, the citrus and potatoes were sold in bulk directly to wholesalers; for that information, see the company’s recall notice.
In addition, Wegmans recalled prepared in-store foods that contain fresh lemon because they may also be contaminated, including pizza, chicken cutlets, and seafood items. The items were sold between Aug. 5 and Aug. 7, 2020. See the full list of recalled items.
Brand/Product | Package Size | UPC Codes | Trace Number(s) (printed on tag or clip on bag) |
Freshouse Limes | 2-pound mesh bags | 33383 14683 | 174618 174570 174571 174572 |
Nature's Promise Organic Limes | 1-pound mesh bags | 88267 53813 | 174375 |
Fresh From the Start Lemons | 2-pound mesh bags | 33383 14020 | 16453103 16415302 |
Wegmans Lemons | 2-pound mesh bags | 77890 15917 | NA |
Wegmans Valencia Oranges | 4-pound mesh bags | 77890 52363 | N/A |
Fresh From the Start Red B Potatoes | 3-pound mesh bags | 33383 51003 | 174575 174403 174595 |
The Details
Products recalled: Lemons, limes, Valencia oranges, and red potatoes distributed by Freshouse II: Freshouse Limes, Nature’s Promise Organic Limes, Fresh From the Start Lemons, Wegmans Lemons, Wegmans Valencia Oranges, Fresh From the Start Red B Potatoes. Wegmans also recalled prepared foods made with fresh lemons.
The problem: The produce and food may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The fix: If you have any of this produce or premade food, don't eat it. Throw it away or take it to the store where you purchased it for a refund.
How to contact the manufacturer: Contact Freshouse II at 631-369-7150 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or email customerservice@freshouse.com.
Contact Wegmans Food Markets at 855-934-3663 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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