Pacific Organic Produce from San Francisco issued a recall of several organic mango cases which could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The mangoes were sold under the Purity Organic brand.
The cases of Tommy Atkins mangoes with PLU numbers 94051 and 94959 were sold between Apr. 14, 2014 and May 2, 2014. These mangoes were delivered to distributors and retailers in California, Arizona, New Jersey, Texas and Colorado.
The FDA has issued a statement about the recall.
"No illnesses have been reported to date. However, the recall was issued as a precaution because a single sample in a FDA sample yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. Pacific Organic Produce is coordinating closely with regulatory officials and has contacted its customers to ensure that any remaining recalled products are removed," it stated.
A Salmonella outbreak associated with imported mangoes infected 127 people in 2012.
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can result to food poisoning and other linked symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, muscle aches, diarrhea fever and digestive and gastrointestinal issues when consumed through contaminated food. L. monocytogenes contaminates vegetables and fruits through the soil, fertilizer or manure ore water. People with vulnerable immune systems are more in danger of the infection which can lead them to severe and, sometimes, even deadly meningitis or septic shock. Listeria can be deadly to an unborn child. Infection is usually traced to consuming contaminated dairy products.
Consumers who already ate these mangoes need to monitor themselves for potential symptoms of listeriosis, an illness caused by the bacteria. They should observe themselves for 70 days after they ate the fruit. Symptoms include stiff neck, headache, fever, diarrhea, nausea and muscle aches. While pregnant women may experience a mild effect, listeriosis can cause stillbirth or miscarriage. The average time when the illness will start to manifest is around three weeks after exposure to the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Consumers who get sick should see their physician immediately, informing them that they ate this recalled product. Listeriosis is best diagnosed early. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics for treatment.
Consumers and retailers with questions about this product recall can call the customer service of Pacific Organic Produce at 1-415-673-5555 and look for Amy Rosenoff. They can call Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
