Apple slices recalled for Listeria may have been distributed to schools in Florida’s Palm Beach County School District. The 2 oz-bags of Snack Fresh brand red apple slices , which were also sold at Burger King location, were recalled by Appeeling Fruit Inc. in Dauberville, Penn. on September 9. The recalled products have a “Best-if-Used-by date” 09/21/15, the UPC number 74641 00982 and 3 the production date 310815 .
Illnesses had not been reported at the time of the recall. But Listeria symptoms can take as long as 70 days after exposure to develop.
The Palm Beach County School District and individual schools were notified on September 9th of the recall. Of the 400 cases that were delivered to the district, 360 were retrieved and destroyed. But, according to the recall, “it is unclear exactly how much of the remaining 40 cases may have been distributed in the Florida Palm Beach County School District. We are issuing this release in an abundance of caution and to ensure that parents are aware of the recall.”
The recall was issued after an environmental sample taken during a routine inspection at the production facility tested positive for Listeria. Subsequent test results from the facility have been negative.
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections. Those most at risk are young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
