DTI recalls ‘deadly’ apples from US

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is recalling shipment of California apple packer Bidart Brothers to the Philippines after its products were linked to an outbreak associated with listeriosis in the United States.

Listeriosis is caused by infection with listeria, a bacteria that can be found in contaminated food. It causes flu-like symptoms, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, brain abscess, among other sickness, and even miscarriage.

DTI Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba said the following shipment consigned by International Produce Group LLC and MB Fresh International are being recalled:

• 30,000 cartons of Gala apples (40 lb per carton)
• 345,000 cartons of Granny Smith apples (700 pounds per carton)
• 600 cartons of Triwall apples (700 lbs)

Citing a recall by the US Food and Drug Administration, Dimagiba warned the public that the products are not safe for consumption.

On January 10, the FDA said it found strains of listeria on  samples collected from Bidard Bros’ processing plant in California.

The FDA, however, did not identify the Triwall apples as Bidart Bros products.

This came after the 32 people were infected with Listeria monocytogenes across 11 states in the US. 31 have been sent to hospitals, while 3 were reported dead, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. – Rappler.com