Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Trader Joe's customers warned about Listeria contamination
A nationwide food safety emergency has prompted an urgent recall of peaches sold at four of America's most popular grocery chains, affecting millions of shoppers who may have the potentially contaminated fruit sitting in their kitchens right now. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a serious warning about peaches sold at Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Trader Joe's that could contain dangerous bacteria capable of causing severe illness or even death in vulnerable populations.
Families across the country are being urged to immediately check their refrigerators and fruit bowls for peaches purchased between September 16 and October 29, 2025, as these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that poses particular risks to pregnant women, young children, elderly individuals, and anyone with compromised immune systems.
The recall affects both individual peaches and multipacks of the popular fruit, creating widespread concern among consumers who regularly shop at these major retailers for their weekly grocery needs.
Moonlight Companies, the distributor responsible for these California-grown yellow and white peaches, discovered Listeria bacteria in their packing facility, prompting the immediate recall across multiple retail chains. The contamination was detected during routine safety testing, preventing what could have been a much larger public health crisis.
The affected products include Moonlight white peaches marketed under the "Peppermint Peach" brand name, as well as yellow peaches sold in multipacks specifically through Kroger stores. The bacteria was found in the processing environment where these fruits were packaged before distribution to stores nationwide.
This type of contamination typically occurs when bacteria from the environment comes into contact with fresh produce during the washing, sorting, or packaging process. Even though the peaches themselves may look perfectly normal and fresh, they could carry invisible bacteria that poses serious health risks.
Listeria monocytogenes represents one of the most dangerous foodborne bacteria because of its ability to cause severe illness in certain populations while producing only mild symptoms in healthy adults. For most people with strong immune systems, exposure might result in relatively minor issues like nausea, fever, diarrhea, and general discomfort that resolves within a few days.
However, the stakes become dramatically higher for vulnerable groups. Pregnant women face the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in their newborn babies if they consume contaminated products. Young children and elderly individuals may develop life-threatening infections that require immediate hospitalization and intensive medical treatment.
People with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, HIV infection, diabetes, or other chronic conditions face particularly severe risks from Listeria exposure. The bacteria can cross into the bloodstream and nervous system, potentially causing meningitis or other serious complications that can be fatal without prompt medical intervention.
Anyone who has purchased peaches from Walmart, Kroger, Target, or Trader Joe's during the affected time period should take immediate action to protect their family's health. The most important step involves carefully examining any peaches currently stored at home and disposing of them if there's any possibility they could be part of the recall.
Do not attempt to wash or cook potentially contaminated peaches, as Listeria bacteria can survive typical food preparation methods. The safest approach involves throwing away any questionable fruit immediately and thoroughly cleaning any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products.
Consumers should also clean their refrigerators, fruit bowls, and any other areas where the peaches may have been stored, using hot soapy water followed by a disinfectant solution to eliminate any lingering bacteria.
The contamination concerns extend beyond just fresh peaches to include prepared products containing the affected fruit. Kroger has also recalled certain containers of Snowfruit Peach Salsa and Supreme Produce Peach Salsa due to potential contamination from the same source.
Families should check their pantries and refrigerators for these salsa products and dispose of them immediately if they're part of the recall. The prepared foods may pose even greater risks because people often consume salsa without additional cooking that might kill harmful bacteria.
Anyone who consumed peaches from the affected retailers during the recall period should monitor themselves for symptoms of Listeria infection, particularly if they fall into high-risk categories. Warning signs include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and in severe cases, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.
Pregnant women experiencing any unusual symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated peaches should contact their healthcare providers immediately, as early treatment can prevent serious complications for both mother and baby. Similarly, parents should seek prompt medical attention if children show signs of illness after eating recalled peaches.
For specific information about lot codes and affected products, consumers can contact Moonlight Companies directly at 855-215-5017 or visit the FDA website for detailed recall information from each affected retailer.