North Bay Produce recalls fresh apples because of possible health risk

North Bay Produce, Inc of Traverse City, Michigan is voluntarily recalling 2,297 cases and two bulk bins of fresh apples due to the potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall was initiated as a result of a finished product test that indicated the presence of the organism. Upon notification, production and distribution product from the identified facility was ceased.

Listeria monocytogenes 

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which 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, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

At this time, there have been no illnesses linked by health officials to this recall.

Recall information

Recalled varieties include McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Fuji, Jonamac and Red Delicious apples. Recalled apples were sold in plastic bags under the brands; Great Lakes, North Bay Produce Pure Michigan as well as unbranded in clear plastic tote bags, white paper tote bags, and individually from retailers’ display trays.

The recalled apples were shipped between 16 October 2019 and 21 October 2019 from one North Bay facility to wholesalers, retailers and brokers in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.

Apples purchased at retail prior to 16 October and other North Bay Produce products are not affected by this recall.

Anyone who has the recalled product in their possession should not consume it, and discard it or return to the place of purchase.

The company has said it has notified the commercial customers to whom it shipped the recalled product and is working with them to remove the recalled product from commerce.

More information can be found on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.