Fresh Pak of Michigan is voluntarily recalling red and green apple slices because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date, but listeriosis can take up to 70 days to appear.
The recalled apple slices were distributed in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin in retail stores and through distributors. Routine testing by the company Nyblad Orchards found Listeria monocytogenes in a random single sample that was taken from some Gala apples. The products should be removed from store shelves and destroyed. You can see pictures of the recalled products at the FDA web site.
The recalled apple slices come in 2.2, 2.5, 9, and 7 ounce bags and or plastic packages. They are also sold in 3 pound bags. They include 3 pound bag dice red apple with no brand name, lot numbers 312544 and 312807, no UPC number, and use by range Dec 29 ‐ Jan 2; 3 pound bag slice red apples with no brand name, lot number 312542, no UPC number, and use by range Dec 28 – Jan 1, and (5/2.2 oz) slice apple bags in clamshells with brand name Michigan Apples – Aunt Mid’s, lot numbers 312547 and 312806, UPC number 7122817430, and use by range Dec 28 – Jan 1.
Also recalled is (5/2.2 oz) slice apples w/grapes bags in clamshells with brand name Aunt Mid’s, lot number 312546, UPC number 7122817431, and use by date Dec 31; 9 oz slice apples container with brand name Fresh Pak Inc, lot numbers 312447, 312537, 312666, 312780, and 312943, UPC number 7122817686, and use by range Dec 17 – 21. Finally, 9 oz. Mix (red/green) slice apples container is recalled, with brand name Fresh Pak Inc, lot numbers 312448, 312538, 312781, 312944, and 312667, UPC number 7122817687, and use by range Dec 17 – 21; and 7 ounce Fruit and Cheese Snacks, with no brand name, lot numbers 312422, 312511, 312641, 312755, and 312918, UPC number 7122817684, and use by range Dec 17 – 21.
If you purchased any of these products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed container, or take them back to the store where you bought them for a full refund. Then clean your pantry or refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any remaining bacteria.
If you ate any of these recalled products, you need to monitor yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. Those symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, and cramps. Pregnant women may only have a mild illness, but listeriosis can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. If you do get sick, see your doctor.
