Ready Pac recalls apple slice products
Missa Bay, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ready Pac Foods based in Swedesboro, N.J., is voluntarily recalling a total of 293,488 cases and 296,224 individually distributed units of fruit, vegetable and sandwich products containing apples with the use‐by dates of July 8, 2012, through Aug. 20, 2012, because they contain diced or sliced apples which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to FDA.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious or life‐threatening foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. The illness primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill, according to FDA.
The recalled products were produced and distributed from the Missa Bay facility to retailers and foodservice operators in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
The recall notification was issued due to finding Listeria monocytogenes on equipment used by Missa Bay to produce apple products. Missa Bay is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported in association with this voluntary recall, according to FDA.
Retailers should check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the product is present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories.
Ready Pac customer service representatives have already contacted retailers and are in the process of confirming that the recalled products are not in the stream of commerce. Customers with questions can call Ready Pac directly at 800‐800‐4088 ext. 2900.
