Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. of Coral Gables, FL, is recalling some Granny Smith green apples because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A total of 695 boxes containing 8 “Granny Smith” green apples each and 67 clear plastic bags containing 6 “Granny Smith” green apples each were distributed to Coremark and 7-Eleven for sale in convenience stores in the Mountain States region on Oct. 1-12, 2015. States affected include CO, KS, MO, NE, NM, OK, SD, UT and WY. The apples at store level are individual fruit on open displays. No illnesses have been reported to date. The problem was discovered when a customer performed microbial testing on raw apples received. Consumers who suspect that they have purchased “Granny Smith” green apples affected by this recall should dispose of the product in the garbage and contact Del Monte Fresh Produce for a refund. Affected retailers have been requested to remove the product from sale. Consumers with questions may contact the company’s consumer hotline at 1-800-659-6500, operating 24 hours seven days a week, or email Del Monte Fresh at: Contact-US-Executive-Office@freshdelmonte.com. Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stuffiness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
