Wawona sells produce to national wholesalers; as of Tuesday, "Costco, Trader Joe's, Kroger and the Walmart Corp. — which operates Walmart and Sam's Club stores, have all posted notices about the fruit recall on their websites," CNN reports.

Wawona reportedly detected listeria in tests of its own equipment after being alerted to a possible contamination by an Australian customer; it says it has eliminated the problem at its plant. The company posted a list of "lot codes" to help identify the produce in question.

"We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products" company President Brent Smittcamp said in a news release. "By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority."

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illnesses and even death in those at the most risk: young children and those with weakened immune systems. It can also pose serious risks to pregnant women.

In 2011, listeria killed 33 people in 28 states — a devastating outbreak that stands as one of the most deadly in U.S. history.

As the National Institutes of Health reminds us, listeria is a bacteria that can pose particular problems because it can keep growing even in foods that are refrigerated.

The FDA adds, "Consumers with questions may contact Wawona Packing at 1-888-232-9912, M-F, 8am-5pm ET, or visit www.wawonapacking.com."

Copyright 2014 NPR.

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Fruit Recall Hits Trader Joe's, Costco, Wal-Mart Stores