Check out the release for more specifics on codes and best-by-dates to help you determine if your fruit is included in the recall.
According to the statement, there haven’t been any reports of illnesses associated with the recalls so far. Still, the company recommends that you check your freezers and, if you see any affected bags, to throw them away or return them to the store for a refund.
While you may equate listeria with deli meat or soft cheese, it can also be found in fruit, too—and the bacteria can be difficult to get rid of at food processing facilities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heating food properly (to 165°F) can kill the bugs. This can protect you if you’re baking fruit in a pie, but it’s not exactly a feasible solution if you’re looking to make a smoothie.
READ RELATED: Happy endings: our advice columnist on the columns that helped change people’s lives
So it’s important to familiarize yourself with symptoms of listeria infection. These include fever, flu-like symptoms, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures, and typically show up within two weeks after eating affected items. In most people, listeria infections are mild, but they can be serious for people who are pregnant, older than 65, or who have weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.
Still, anyone can get sick from listeria, so if you’ve eaten any of the recalled fruit or are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult with your health care provider.
Related:
