A widespread product recall has been initiated for freeze-dried fruit sold at Sam’s Club locations across 42 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, stemming from serious concerns over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This urgent food safety measure highlights the continuous vigilance required within the supply chain to protect consumer health from harmful bacteria.

The affected products are specifically identified as Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Packs, a popular item found within Walmart’s warehouse club outlets. Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, the manufacturer responsible for these particular fruit packs, announced the comprehensive product recall following discovery of the possible microbial threat.

The primary concern revolves around Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a severe and sometimes fatal infection. While generally rare, listeriosis can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, underscoring the gravity of this listeria contamination incident.

The recall spans a significant geographical area, impacting a vast number of Sam’s Club retail points. Consumers in the affected states and the U.S. territory are urged to pay immediate attention to the recall notice and verify any recent purchases of the implicated fruit product.

Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant women, infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. This makes rapid identification and removal of contaminated products crucial for public health alert systems.

Consumers who have purchased the Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Packs bearing the affected lot numbers are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should immediately dispose of the product or return it to Sam’s Club for a full refund, ensuring no further risk of exposure to the potentially contaminated fruit recall items.

The manufacturer’s announcement specified that the recall pertains to 22 distinct lots of the 15-count boxes, indicating a significant volume of potentially compromised goods. This extensive recall underscores the systematic approach being taken to mitigate health risks associated with the tainted fruit.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of adherence to strict manufacturing and distribution standards to prevent such foodborne pathogen outbreaks. This incident serves as a critical reminder for both producers and consumers about the shared responsibility in maintaining rigorous food safety practices for everyone’s well-being.