Avocados Recalled For Possible Listeria Contamination In CA

ESCONDIDO, CA – Escondido-based Henry Avocado Corp. issued a recall of California-grown avocados due to possible Listeria contamination after samples tested positive during a government inspection at its facility, according to company officials.

The recalled products – both conventional and organic avocados — were packed at Henry Avocado’s facility and sold statewide and throughout Arizona, Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin, the company said Saturday in a statement.

Consumers can identify the recalled conventionally grown products by the "Bravocado" stickers on the skins. Organic Henry Avocado products are labeled "organic" and include "California" on their stickers. Retailers can identify the recalled avocados by their bar codes.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause fever, stiffness, nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms, and can sometimes be fatal for young children, elderly people or others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people usually only suffer short-term symptoms, but the illness can have dangerous impacts for pregnant women, including stillbirths and miscarriages.

“We are voluntarily recalling our products and taking every action possible to ensure the safety of consumers who eat our avocados,” said Phil Henry, president of Henry Avocado, adding that no illnesses were reported.

All shipments to date from the packing plant, which the grower began using in January, are subject to the recall.

Avocados imported from Mexico and distributed by Henry Avocado are not subject to the recall and may continue to be sold and consumed, the company said.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with additional questions may contact Henry Avocado at (760) 745-6632, Ext. 132, or visit the company website.

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--City News Service contributed to this post