Oct 30, 2015

Minnesota company recalls Granny Smith apples

Northstar Produce of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is recalling 33 cases of Granny Smith Size 175 ct. apples, because a test performed on a sample of the apples indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, salmonella, and/or Enterohemorrhagic E. coli, according to FDA.

Salmonella, is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

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 diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli is a bacteria that causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The Granny Smith Size 175 ct. apples were sold at Mike’s Discount Foods, 230 Osborn Ave., Fridley, MN and Mikes’s Discount Foods, 516 East River Road, Anoka, MN.

The apples were sold in tray packs between Oct. 1 and Oct. 19, 2015.

No illnesses have been reported, according to FDA.

Consumers who purchased these apples should directly contact Mike Abernathy at 763-286-0110.

Earlier this month, Del Monte Fresh Produce initiated a voluntary recall of Granny Smith green apples because they had the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It’s unclear if the two recalls are connected.