An investigation is currently underway by The US Food and Drug Administration of a salmonella outbreak which has affected 68 people in 9 states.
It has now been reported that the outbreak could be linked to tainted peaches.
The peaches were sold in bags under the Wawona brand name in 2-pound clear, plastic bags. They were sold at ALDI stores in 16 states starting since 1 June.
Peaches Linked To Salmonella Outbreak
Following the investigation ALDI has voluntarily recalled the peaches which were shipped to the following states:
Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
According to a news release from the FDA, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the peaches as the likely source of the salmonella infections.
The agency says: “FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of product distribution and source of contamination.”
Infections have been reported in Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia as well as Wisconsin.
The FDA is urging people who bought the peaches, including restaurants, retailers and consumers, to throw them out.
Furthermore, people should clean and sanitize any surfaces the peaches may have come into contact with to prevent cross-contamination – including cutting boards, slicers, countertops, refrigerators and storage bins.
What are the symptoms of salmonella poisoning?
The CDC says that Salmonella poisoning can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps between six hours and six days after exposure to the bacteria.
Symptoms can last between four and seven days.
Children under the age of 5, people over 65 and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness.