If you’re a watermelon fan, listen up. Earlier this week, Country Fresh issued a recall for certain packages of watermelon chunks sold at Walmart and RaceTrac stores throughout Arkansas, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas over concerns the melon may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. According to the recall notice, listeria was “detected on equipment used in packing this product during a recent FDA inspection.”

Listeria Bacteria; Image Courtesy of the CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/

The product was sold in a variety of different sized packages with “best-if-used by dates of October 2, 3, and 4." The specific products affected by the recall include the following:

• Watermelon 4 x 10 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672

• Watermelon 2 x 32 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672 

• Watermelon Chunks 2 x 42 oz – UPC Code: 681131180658 

• Watermelon Spears 4 x 16 oz – UPC Code: 681131180665

• Summer Blend FTC 4 x 5 oz – UPC Code: 681131355094

• Watermelon 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641000644 

• Melon Trio 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641031945

Fortunately, Country Fresh has yet to receive a single report of a consumer falling ill from consuming the watermelon. The FDA chimed in and said it has instructed Walmart and RaceTrac stores to remove the affected product “from store shelves and inventories immediately.” For now, customers who have the melon in their homes should throw it away immediately. If you or someone you know has a question about the recall, contact Country Fresh customer service at 1-877-251-8300.

Sources:

Country Fresh watermelon chunks recalled over ListeriaCountry Fresh recalls fresh-cut watermelon for listeria concerns