Ready Pac Recalls Sliced Apples Suspected of Listeria Contamination
Ready Pac Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled apple slices and pieces that were sold at fast food chains, supermarkets, and convenience stores because of possible listeria contamination.
The Irwindale, California-based company, known for offering fresh cut fruits and vegetables, ordered the pull out of 293,488 cases and 296,224 individually distributed units of fruit, vegetable, and sandwich products containing its apples from establishments like McDonald’s and Burger King.
According to a Fox News report, the recall by Ready Pac came after listeria monocytogenes was found on equipment used by one of its subsidiaries, New Jersey-based Missa Bay.
McDonald’s are using the apples for sliced apple packs, fruit & maple oatmeal, and fruit & walnut snack trays in select states. Burger King, on the other hand, was offering the products in the chain’s sliced apple packs.
People who consume foods contaminated with listeria monocytogenes can develop serious infection called Listeriosis. Its symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting, weakness, and convulsions. Older adults, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and people with certain diseases like diabetes and cancer are among those who are at higher risk of being affected by the bacterium.
The recalled items were sold in 36 states and the District of Columbia. As of now, Ready Pac said no illnesses have yet been reported.
Tags: listeria contamination, listeria disease, symptoms of listeriosis
