According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Bidart Bros. processing plant is voluntarily recalling all Bidart Bros. Granny Smith and Gala apples still available in the marketplace. Test results confirm two strains of Listeria monocytogenes were found at the company’s apple processing facility.
Contact with Listeria monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis in older adults, pregnant women, infants, and adults with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, headache, confusion, colvusions, and diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems. Infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection of the newborn. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics.
The recalled fruit was distributed nationwide, and was sold under the brand names “Big B” and “Granny’s Best.” They could also have been sold under other brand names or with no brand at all.
Other varieties of apples and those from other growers are not affected by the recall.
The CDC suggests consumers of Granny Smith and Gala apples ask their retailers if the apples were supplied by Bidart Bros. The CDC also suggests consumers avoid eating commercially produced, prepackaged whole caramel apples, including varieties with nuts, sprinkles, chocolate and other toppings.
The fruit should be thrown away or returned immediately. Consumers with questions can contact Bidart Bros. at (661) 399-0978.
