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 to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Recalled apples were shipped between October 16th, 2019, and October 21st, 2019, from one North Bay facility to wholesalers, retailers, and brokers in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin, according to a press release from North Bay Produce.
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 company initiated the recall as a result of a finished product test that indicated the presence of the organism. Upon notification, the company immediately ceased the production and distribution product from the identified facility and continue their investigation as to what caused the issue in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
North Bay Produce notified its commercial customers to whom they shipped the recalled product and are working with them to remove recalled apples from commerce.
Apples purchased at retail before October 16th are not affected by this recall, and no other North Bay Produce products are affected by this recall.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or older 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.
Anyone who has the recalled product in their possession should not consume it. The product should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions may call 1-231-929-4001, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm Eastern Time, or visit www.northbayproduce.com