Listeria risk prompts Del Monte recall in the Northeast
Listeria risk prompts Del Monte recall in the Northeast
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of fresh cut fruit containing Gala red apples grown in Pennsylvania. The affected product was distributed to a limited number of customers in the Northeast and is being recalled because these apples have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
A total of 3,051 consumer packages containing fresh cut red apples were distributed to Giant Eagle, Amazon Fresh, Sunoco, Peter’s Fruit, Wegmans, Sheetz and 7-Eleven and have “Best If Enjoyed By” dates of Dec. 3, Dec. 6, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. The fresh cut red apples have a red color skin. The recalled fresh cut fruit packages containing red apples were distributed for sale in clear plastic containers. A chart containing labels and markings is available here.
Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis symptoms may include fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distress, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among women who are pregnant.
Consumers who believe that they are in possession of the fresh cut fruit containing the affected red apples are advised to dispose of the product in an appropriate waste container. For any inquiries consumers may call 800/659-6500 (operating 24 hours a day) or email Del Monte Fresh at [email protected].