Avocados Sold in California and Five Other States Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination

California-based Henry Avocado has issued a recall for avocados sold in California, Arizona, Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin because of possible listeria contamination. According to an ABC news report, the company issued the recall due to positive listeria results on environmental samples during a routine test. The recalled products include California-grown conventional and organic avocados, which were packed in California and shipped to six other states.

Details of the Recall

Avocados imported from Mexico and distributed by Henry Avocado are not subject to the recall and can be consumed. You can identify the conventional products by the “Bravocado” sticker. The organic products don’t have the sticker but are labeled “organic” and include “California” on the sticker. The organic products can also be identified by a bar code on the sticker. Both the conventional and organic variety of avocados from Henry Avocado are part of this recall.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to eat them, but discard them or return to the place of purchase for a refund. So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. Anyone with more questions may call Henry Avocado at 760-745-6632, extension 132 or visit henryavocado.com/media. The company’s president has issued a statement saying the products are being voluntarily recalled and that they are taking every action possible to ensure consumer safety.

The Danger of Listeria Contamination

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 1,600 get listeriosis each year nationwide and approximately 260 die each year as a result of this infection. Listeriosis is most likely to affect pregnant women and babies, the elderly (adults older than 65) and people with weakened immune systems.

In pregnant women, listeriosis could lead to miscarriages or stillbirths. Those who develop a listeria infection may experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. If the listeria infection spreads to your nervous system, you may also experience symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion or changes in alertness, loss of balance and convulsions.

What Steps Can You Take?

If you have developed a listeria infection as the result of a food product contaminated by the bacteria, make sure you get prompt medical attention, treatment and care for your illness as soon as possible, and follow the doctor’s orders for treatment and care. Report your illness to your local health care agency, which tends to track trends in food-borne illnesses. Contact an experienced food poisoning lawyer who can help you secure compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Source: https://abc7.com/food/avocados-recalled-in-ca-5-other-states-over-listeria-concerns/5214652/