Fresh peaches suspected to be behind a Salmonella outbreak in the United States and Canada were also distributed in New Zealand and Singapore.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 78 patients across 12 states in the outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has reported 33 illnesses linked to the outbreak in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
There are no reported cases of Salmonella Enteritidis in New Zealand or Singapore connected to the recalled peaches.
New Zealand and Singapore recalls
In New Zealand, a consumer recall of imported yellow flesh peaches from the U.S. has been initiated because of the possible presence of Salmonella by Primor Produce Ltd., and Turners and Growers Fresh Ltd.
It affects unbagged yellow flesh Prima and Sweet Value brand peaches imported from California and supplied by Prima Wawona. They are sold at supermarkets, fresh fruit and vegetable retailers, and selected grocery stores in the North Island.
The affected peaches were sold from July 10 to Aug. 25 and have green fruit stickers attached with Price Look Up (PLU) numbers of 4044 and 4038.
The recall does not affect any other yellow flesh peaches with a different color fruit sticker, or different PLU number. White flesh peaches are also not part of the notice. PLU stickers may not have a brand name printed on them.
Melinda Sando, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) food compliance manager, said people with these imported peaches at home should throw them out or return them to retailers.
“If you have health concerns after eating the product, seek medical advice. This New Zealand recall follows recalls in the United States linked to Prima and Wawona brand peaches,” according to the announcement.
Singapore recall
Peaches packed or supplied by Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company were also imported in Singapore.
The Singapore Food Agency told the importer, Satoyu Trading Pte Ltd, to recall the product. This action is ongoing.
Peaches may have the following stickers with PLU numbers on them: 4037, 4038, 4044, 4401, 94037, 94038, 94044 and 94401. However, not all peaches with these PLU codes are supplied by Prima Wawona. Consumers who are unsure about the brand or variety of their loose peaches should contact their respective retailers.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten fresh peaches and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
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