FDA Recall Hits Fruit Shelves in Wisconsin Due to Potentially Deadly Listeria

My kids absolutely love fruit. Me? Not so much. Unfortunately, that's what makes this latest recall so important to take notice of. Since fruit is "nature's candy," it means our children are the most likely to be affected when the product is contaminated. Take, for instance, the latest recall from the Food and Drug Administration that's affecting cantaloupe purchases across the states of Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Wholesale Produce Supply, based in Minneapolis, has announced a recall of fresh-cut cantaloupe sold under the Harvest Cuts and Fresh & Finest labels. The reason? Possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in young kids, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Even healthy people can feel pretty rotten after exposure; think fever, stomach cramps, and nausea. For pregnant women, the risks can be even more severe, including miscarriage or stillbirth.

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So what exactly should you be watching out for? The recalled fruit comes packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers. Some containers were sold as cantaloupe-only, while others were mixed fruit assortments that included the possibly tainted cantaloupe chunks. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the company suspended production after a routine test raised red flags. Find a full list of the affected products below.

If you’ve bought one of these fruity finds recently, don’t try to “melon-choly” your way through it (sorry for my bad puns), return it to the store for a refund. It's always better to be safe, rather than sorry. For questions, you can reach out directly to Wholesale Produce Supply at (612) 378-2025. Remember, distribution for this company covers much of the Midwest and even parts of Canada, so make sure you know where your fruit came from before consuming it.

Bottom line: this recall is a good reminder that even our healthiest snacks can sometimes come with a hidden risk. Keep an eye on those labels and remember, it’s always better to toss suspect fruit than to wind up in a jam (again, sorry).