Deadly danger: large consignments of fruits and vegetables are recalled from US stores

Freshouse II, LLC, a Salisbury, North Carolina-based company, is recalling a number of brands of potatoes, lemons, limes, organic limes and oranges due to potential contamination by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, writes Realsimple.

Photo: Shutterstock

The voluntary recall was issued following a routine internal audit, during which Freshouse II identified the presence of Listeria on certain equipment in its packaging shops.

“We have ceased production and distribution of the product that was packaged on the equipment in question, are taking corrective actions, and are continually evaluating our cleaning and sanitation regimes,” the recall announcement said on website Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Recalls can be identified by the brand, UPC number and batch number printed on a tag or clip attached to the open end of the package. All items were shipped directly to retail distribution centers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as wholesalers in Maryland and North Carolina. Photos of products subject to recall can be found here.

• Freshouse Limes are available in 2lb mesh bags, UPC # 33383 and # 14683; lot numbers 174618, 174570, 174571, 174572;
• Nature's Promise Organic Limes are available in 1lb mesh bags, UPC # 88267 and # 53813; lot number 174375;
• Fresh From the Start Red B Potatoes are available in 3lb mesh bags, UPC # 33383 and # 51003; lot number 174575, 174403, 174595;
• Fresh From the Start Lemons are available in 2lb mesh bags, UPC # 33383 and # 14020; lot numbers 174551, 174552;
• Wegmans Lemons are sold in 2lb mesh bags, UPC # 77890 and # 15917;
• Wegmans Valencia Oranges are available in 4lb mesh bags, UPC # 77890 and # 52363;
• Wholesale Bulk Lemons are sold in 40 pound mesh bags, shipper refs 1187005, 1187128, 1187103, 1187112;
• Wholesale Bulk Limes in 40lb mesh bags, shipper reference numbers 1187112, 1187099, 1187128, 1186832;
• Wholesale Bulk Red Potatoes are sold in 50 pound mesh bags, shipper reference numbers 1187098, 320873, 320992, 2182424;
• Wholesale Bulk Valencia Oranges are sold in £ 40 mesh bags, with shipper reference numbers 1187099, 1187015, 1187112.

Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported to date due to the items mentioned above. However, according to the FDA, Listeria monocytogenes is “an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems.” And while healthy people may only experience short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, "Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirth among pregnant women."

On the subject: Life-threatening: how to recognize the symptoms of listeriosis and what to do in order not to get infected

If you think you have any of the affected products, do not consume them. Instead, the FDA recommends to “destroy the product so that it cannot be consumed by others, or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.”

Freshouse II, LLC has notified its retail and wholesale customers who have received the recalled product directly from the company and asks those customers to also remove the recalled product from sale.

Consumers can contact Freshouse II, LLC at 631-369-7150, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Consumers can also contact the company via email ([email protected]) or visit company website.

“We have voluntarily issued this recall out of an abundance of caution with the firm intention of minimizing even the slightest risk to public health,” said Jamie Friedman, company president. “We take food safety and this recall seriously.” Freshouse is committed to providing consumers with fresh, nutritious and safe food.”

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