Organic Mangoes Recalled Over Listeria Contamination

Organic Mangoes Recalled for Listeria Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a recall of organic mangoes sold under the Purity Organic brand because they tested positive for Listeria.  Listeria is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, newborns, immune-compromised adults, and pregnant women.  A person with Listeriosis, the infection caused by consuming foods contaminated with Listeria, will experience fever and muscle aches along with gastrointestinal upset.

Pregnant Women Told to Exercise Particular Caution

Experts are particularly concerned about the health and safety of pregnant women and the recent recall.  Pregnant women are urged to eat a plethora of fruits and vegetables, and this is the time of year when more fruit will shop up in local grocery stores because of the changing seasons.  Listeria is sometimes present in other foods such as uncooked lunch meats, soft cheeses, and vegetables.  Pregnant women are typically warned by their doctors to avoid uncooked lunch meat and unpasteurized cheeses for this reason.  Although there have been reports of illness, pregnant women should keep a special eye out for symptoms such as headaches, fever, aches and pains, and vomiting.  Listeria can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy, leading to miscarriage in the first trimester or early labor and premature contractions in the third trimester.  

Many States Affected by Recall

Several states are affected by the recall of the mangoes including New Jersey, Arizona, California, Colorado and Texas.  The product was sold between April 14 and May 2 and PLU sticker codes are 94051 and 94959.  The company and the FDA say that you should immediately discard the mangoes if you find any in your kitchen.  It is also important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms after consuming one of the affected mangoes.  Doctors can often treat Listeria with antibiotics.