Jack Brown Produce Recalls Apples Due To Possible Listeria

Jack Brown Produce Inc. of Sparta is recalling Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious apples that were processed and shipped by one of their suppliers, Nyblad Orchards Inc., on Dec. 11 through Dec. 16 because they could have potentially been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses have been reported so far.

The recalled apples were distributed through retail stores in Michigan, Georgia, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio, and under the "Apple Ridge" brand, and include:

1. Honeycrisp apples in two-pound clear plastic bags;
   
2. Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious apples in 3-pound clear plastic bags;
3. Fuji and Gala apples in 5-pound red-netted mesh bags;
4. Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp apples that were tray-packed/individually sold.

The affected apples can be identified by the following numbers printed on the bag label and the clip that closes the bag:

Fuji: NOI 163, 165, 167, 169, 174
Honeycrisp: NOI 159, 160, 173
Golden Delicious: NOI 168
Gala: NOI 164, 166

The recall was a result of routine sampling at the Nyblad Orchards. The facility had revealed that the apples had contained Listeria monocytogenes. Jack Brown Produce have ceased distribution of any products that were processed at Nyblad Orchards as the FDA and the company continue an investigation into what could have caused the problem.

Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also infect those with a healthier immune system for a shorter period of time. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women, according to the FDA.

The agency is urging consumers who have purchased the apples on or after Dec. 11 to destroy the apples, and to contact Jack Brown Produce for a refund.

Any questions consumers may have can contact the company at (616) 887-9568 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and ask to speak with Lisa Ingalls.

>>> See the full FDA notice

Image Credit Food And Drug Administration