Apples Recalled Due to Positive Screen for One of Three Pathogens

A MN firm is recalling apples because a test indicates the presence of Listeria or Salmonella or E.coli.  So basically, they don't know which because who ever did the test ran a screen which looks for indicator genes for each of the three.

The recall was probably based upon a positive reaction of the test without the isolation of the actually pathogenic organism.  This is the problem with a screen - not sure which organism or it is just a false positive result.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm470317.htm
Northstar Produce Inc. Recalls Granny Smith Size 175 Apples Because of Possible Health Risk

For Immediate Release  October 26, 2015

Contact Consumers Mike Abernathy 763-286-0110
Firm Press Release

Northstar Produce Inc.of St. Louis Park, MN the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and / or Enterohemorrhagic E. coli. is recalling 33 cases of Granny Smith Size 175ct apples, because a test performed on a sample of the apples indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and / or Enterohemorrhagic E. coli.

Salmonella, is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Listeria monocytogenes, is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli is a bacteria that causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The Granny Smith Size 175ct apples were sold at Mike’s Discount Foods, 230 Osborn Ave., Fridley, MN and Mikes’s Discount Foods, 516 East River Road, Anoka, MN

The apples were sold in tray packs between October 1, 2015 and October 19, 2015

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who purchased these apples should directly contact Mike Abernathy at 763-286-0110.