Freeze-dried fruit packs sold in 43 states RECALLED over Listeria contamination
By ramontomeydw // 2025-08-07
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  • Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions recalled freeze-dried fruit packs sold under Member's Mark brand at Sam's Club (43 states + Puerto Rico) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination detected in internal testing. Affected products (UPC 1-93968-50900-2) have use-by dates up to mid-2027.
  • Though no illnesses are reported yet, L. monocytogenes poses delayed but grave dangers – especially to pregnant women, newborns, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms range from flu-like illness to life-threatening complications (miscarriages, neurological damage or death).
  • Nearly 22 percent of 2024 recalls involved Listeria, per a PIRG report. Critics blame reactive recalls over proactive bans on hazardous additives, highlighting weak FDA oversight. Similar recent recalls include Reser's tuna and Smith Packing meats.
  • L. monocytogenes thrives in cold environments, risking cross-contamination. The FDA urges thorough cleaning of surfaces exposed to recalled items.
  • Experts advise limiting processed foods and choosing fresh/organic options while regulators lag on tightening safety standards. Recalls reveal systemic flaws prioritizing convenience over public health.
In a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday grocery items, Georgia-based Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions has recalled more than 15-count boxes of its freeze dried fruit product over potential Listeria contamination. The company confirmed the recall in an announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 31. According to the agency, the recall affected Member's Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Packs. Internal testing revealed the presence of L. monocytogenes – a foodborne pathogen linked to severe illness and even death – in the dried fruits. The affected products bearing UPC code 1-93968-50900-2 and varying lot codes carry use-by dates extending to mid-2027. They were sold at Sam's Club stores, and distributed to 43 states and Puerto Rico between July 1 and July 25. While no illnesses have been reported so far, health experts warn that Listeria infections can have delayed and devastating consequences. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable. According to the FDA, symptoms in healthy individuals may mimic severe flu with high fever, headache, stiffness, nausea and diarrhea. But in high-risk groups, invasive infections can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, neurological damage or death.

The silent killer in your food: Listeria outbreaks rising

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Listeria causes 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the U.S., making it the third deadliest foodborne pathogen. This recall follows a troubling surge in listeria-related incidents. (Related: CDC issues food safety alert over recalled fruits linked to LISTERIA outbreak.) A February report by the Public Interest Research Group found that nearly 22 percent of food recalls this year involved the bacteria, underscoring systemic gaps in food safety oversight. Doehler has urged consumers to discard the products and return them to Sam's Club for a full refund. Historical context reveals this isn't an isolated crisis: Earlier this summer, Reser's Fine Foods recalled listeria-tainted tuna salad in southern states, while Smith Packing's sodium nitrite-laden meats sparked outrage over lax FDA regulations on toxic additives. Critics argue that reactive recalls, rather than proactive bans on hazardous ingredients, leave consumers vulnerable. L. monocytogenes is notorious for its resilience, surviving refrigeration and spreading easily to other foods and surfaces. As investigators scrutinize supply chains, the FDA advises rigorous sanitation of surfaces exposed to recalled items to prevent cross-contamination. Yet the broader issue remains. Corporate self-policing and outdated "generally recognized as safe" designations allow risky practices to persist. Until regulators tighten food safety standards, experts recommend minimizing reliance on processed foods and opting for fresh, organic alternatives whenever possible. Food recalls are not just temporary inconveniences; they expose the fragility of a system prioritizing convenience over safety. As listeria lurks in unsuspecting products – from deli meats to freeze-dried fruit – consumers face an unsettling truth. Vigilance is their first and last line of defense. Watch Dr. Ryan Ribeira explaining what causes listeriosis (L. monocytogenes infection) in this clip. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Product recall announced for organic blueberries after routine testing finds Listeria. FDA recalls green organic kiwifruit from 14 states due to potential LISTERIA contamination. Cheese and other dairy products sold by Rizo-Lopez Foods recalled following a LISTERIA OUTBREAK. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com FDA.gov CBSNews.com Newsweek.com Brighteon.com
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