A popular peach salsa sold at major grocery stores across the United States has been recalled over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and JFE Franchising, Inc., a Houston-based company.
The recall affects SNOWFRUIT-branded peach salsa, packaged in 16-ounce plastic clamshell containers with best-by dates of November 3 or November 4, 2025. The product was distributed nationwide, primarily through Kroger and affiliated grocery chains. The decision follows the recall of fresh peaches supplied by Moonlight Companies, a California-based grower that warned of potential contamination discovered during routine sampling.
Although no illnesses have been reported to date, the recall is being issued “out of an abundance of caution” to protect consumers. According to the FDA, the salsa may contain peaches sourced from the contaminated batch and could pose a serious health risk if consumed.
Why Listeria Is So Dangerous
Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens in the U.S. While healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms such as fever, nausea, or diarrhea, infection can be life-threatening for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it can lead to septicemia, meningitis, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
What makes Listeria especially concerning is its ability to survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures, allowing it to persist undetected in ready-to-eat foods, fruit products, and prepackaged produce. Because of this, contaminated fruit or vegetables can continue to infect consumers long after initial distribution.
The outbreak has also underscored a recurring vulnerability in the food industry: supply-chain contamination. A single compromised ingredient—in this case, peaches—can spread contamination across multiple products and brands before being detected.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who purchased SNOWFRUIT Peach Salsa should immediately check their packaging for the best-by dates listed above. The affected products are sold in 16-ounce clamshell containers and may have been purchased at Kroger or other regional affiliates.
If you have the product:
- Do not eat it.
- Dispose of it in a sealed bag to prevent further exposure, or return it to the store for a full refund.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have touched the recalled salsa.
If you have already consumed the product, be alert for symptoms of listeriosis — including fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance. Pregnant individuals should seek medical care even for mild symptoms, as fetal infection can occur without pronounced illness in the mother.
Lessons in Food Safety
This recall serves as another reminder of the importance of traceability and quality control in the produce supply chain. Fresh fruit products, including pre-cut or blended items like salsa, must be handled with extreme care from harvest through packaging and distribution. When contamination occurs upstream, the ripple effects can extend nationwide within days.
Health officials stress that recalls work best when consumers respond quickly. By checking recalled items and reporting symptoms, consumers play a crucial role in preventing additional illnesses and improving the overall food safety network.
Consumer Rights and Legal Recourse
Consumers affected by Listeria-contaminated products may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Food safety law firms urge anyone diagnosed with listeriosis after eating recalled products to document their purchase and medical records and seek legal guidance.
As of now, no hospitalizations have been reported, but health officials continue to monitor the situation closely. For the latest updates and complete recall details—including lot codes and distribution lists—visit the FDA’s official recall notice or contact JFE Franchising directly.
