If You Live in These States and Eat Avocados Be Aware...

California farmers have had a rough year for recalls, and the list of contaminated foods is only growing. Now a crop of avocados could be putting people at risk for listeria infections and has led to yet another recall. Luckily, the recall only affects a handful of states. See if yours is one of them...

Check the stickers on your avocados if you live in California, Arizona, Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina or Wisconsin. California-grown avocados packaged by Henry Avocado may be contaminated with listeria. Most people are safe from the bacteria, but it can cause potentially life-threatening illness in babies, the elderly and people with impaired immune systems. Get the details on identifying and returning the recalled avocados below.

The FDA released a new recall this week, warning consumers about California-grown avocados that could be contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Affected shipments went to stores in the 6 states listed above. Officials flagged the avocados after Henry Avocado’s packing facility, located in Escondido, California, tested positive for the bacterium during a recent routine inspection.

Not all avocados packed by Henry Avocado are subject to the recall. The company says its avocados imported from Mexico are all safe to eat. You can tell the difference by reading the barcode stickers. Affected produce will have a “Bravocado” brand sticker with “California” printed on the top. The organic label is missing the “Bravado” branding, instead listed as “Organic,” with “California” printed on the bottom of the sticker. Retailers should check all barcode numbers to confirm product sources.

What is Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenesusually occurs in raw milk products and improperly processed deli meats. It can become present in fruits and vegetables through contaminated manure, and the bacteria can survive refrigeration and freezing. Listeria infections aren’t a serious threat to the general population, with most healthy people never developing any symptoms. This isn’t always the case for babies, the elderly and other people with weakened immune systems, who may develop life-threatening infections when exposed.

Symptoms of listeriosis can take anywhere from a few days to a month to present. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea and body aches. Sometimes the infection moves to the nervous system, causing headaches, stiff neck, confusion, balance issues and convulsions. Infected pregnant women can suffer miscarriage or stillbirth. Some infections may require antibiotic treatment.

You can return recalled avocados for a refund where you bought them. Even if you’re healthy and aren’t likely to get sick, why take the risk? Still have questions or concerns? Speak to a Henry Avocado representative directly by calling 760-745-6632, extension 132. You can also read the company’s official press release on their website at www.henryavocado.com/media.

~ Here’s to Your Health and Wellness