Oranges, Lemons, Limes, and Potatoes Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination by Freshouse II, LLC
Freshouse II, LLC, a mass distributer based in Salisbury, North Carolina, has initiated a recall for differing brands and weights from a specific production lot of Valencia Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Organic Limes, and Red B Potatoes, because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was initiated and production and distribution was ceased after packing equipment tested positive for traces of Listeria during routine food safety testing. The contaminated products were distributed in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland under brand names Freshouse, Natures Promise, Fresh From the Start, and Wegmans. The entire list of recalled products can be found here. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., announced their own recall of Valencia Oranges and Lemons that were sold in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Brooklyn and Harrison, NY. Freshouse II, LLC can be reached at 631-369-7150, Monday through Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Eastern Time regarding any questions over the outbreak. Consumers may also contact the company via email ([email protected]) or visit the company’s website at www.freshouserecall.com. No illnesses have been reported as of August 10, 2020.
According to the CDC, Listeria monocytogenes is the foodborne illness causing bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis. Listeriosis can be a severe infection for those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children, those with autoimmune disorders, and pregnant women, who are at the upmost risk. In pregnant women, listeriosis often presents as flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to be infected with listeriosis than anyone else and the infection often results in a severe infection in the fetus and even the loss of the fetus. In those that are not pregnant women, listeriosis symptoms include confusion, a stiff neck, loss of balance, fever, muscle aches, and a headache. Symptoms of listeriosis typically develop 1 to 4 weeks after consumption, though cases have presented symptoms as early as one day and as late as 70 days after exposure. If you believe you are suffering from listeriosis, contact your physician immediately for the best course of treatment.
