The FDA Issues A Recall For Member's Mark Dried Fruit Snacks
At the end of July, the FDA, along with the company that makes Sam's Club's original products, Member's Mark, announced that they were recalling numerous boxes of Member's Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Packs due to "contamination with Listeria monocytogenes." The variety packs contain several packages of freeze-dried strawberries, bananas, and apples.
According to their official statement, Listeria monocytogenes is "an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems."
"Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women," they continued.
A recall related to Listeria can be very serious, as someone can get very ill. The recall was issued for several states, turning it into a nationwide incident.
What To Do If You've Purchased A Recalled Box Of Dried Fruit Snacks
Dried fruit is a super popular snack for kids these days, as they take fresh, nutritious fruits and dehydrate them to make them crunchy, so they're like a sweet, healthy alternative to chips or other processed snacks. However, if you buy them from Sam's Club, you'll want to double-check that you didn't get a recalled box.
According to the FDA statement, the recall is in effect in 42 states, from Alabama to California, and New Jersey to Oklahoma. If you're worried that you may have picked up a recalled box from your local Sam's Club, don't fret, as there are a few key details that can help you figure it out. First, it's important to note that the packages being recalled were distributed to Sam's Club stores between July 1st and July 25th of this year, so if you bought some way before then or in the last few days, you shouldn't have to stress.
Additionally, the packages have expiration dates that range between June 24th, 2007, and July 25th, 2007. If your box of Member's Mark Freeze Dried Fruit includes those expiration dates, it's suggested you avoid consuming them and discard them to be safe. You could also try to take them back to the Sam's Club location you bought them from for a refund.
Thankfully, as of right now, there have been no reported illnesses related to this recall. However, if you believe you've bought a recalled box of the fruit and ate some of it, just keep an eye out for any symptoms related to Listeria and contact your doctor if you have them.