Granny Smith Apples and Gala Apples from Bidart Bros. recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Starting date:: January 8, 2015
Type of communication:: Recall
Alert sub-type:: Updated Food Recall Warning
Subcategory:: Microbiological - Listeria
Hazard classification:: Class 1
Source of recall:: Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Recalling firm:: Beauvais Ltee., Coosemans Montreal Inc., Courchesne Larose
Distribution:: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec
Extent of the product distribution:: Retail
CFIA reference number:: 9575

Advisory details
What you should do
Who is affected
Background
Affected products
Images
Related AWRs
Media enquiries

Advisory details

Ottawa, January 8, 2015 - The food recall warning issued on January 7, 2015 has been updated to include additional information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) food safety investigation

Industry is recalling Granny Smith apples and Gala apples exported by Bidart Bros. in the United States (US) from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Identified importers of the recalled products include Beauvais Ltee., Courchesne Larose and Coosemans Montreal Inc. Consumers should not consume and retailers, restaurants and institutions should not sell or use the recalled products described below.

What you should do

Check to see if you have recalled products. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased. If you are unsure as to whether products are included in this recall, contact the location where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Who is affected

PHAC is monitoring the US outbreak investigation. For more information see the Public Health Notice issued by PHAC dated December 28, 2014.

Background

This recall was triggered by a recall initiated by the US producer which may be related to a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA is working with its federal partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada, and the United States Food and Drug Administration and is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

Affected products

Affected products
Brand name	Common name	Size	Code(s) on product	UPC	Additional info
Big B	Granny Smith Apples*	All	All production in 2014	None	*Only apples exported by Bidart Bros. are affected by this recall. Recalled products may have been sold under other brand names besides the one identified or without a brand name at all, such as in bulk. These products have been sold from cash and carry locations. If you are unsure as to whether products are included in this recall, contact the location where they were purchased.
Big B	Gala Apples*	All	All production in 2014	None	*Only apples exported by Bidart Bros. are affected by this recall. Recalled products may have been sold under other brand names besides the one identified or without a brand name at all, such as in bulk. These products have been sold from cash and carry locations. If you are unsure as to whether products are included in this recall, contact the location where they were purchased.
Granny's Best	Granny Smith Apples*	All	All production in 2014	None	*Only apples exported by Bidart Bros. are affected by this recall. Recalled products may have been sold under other brand names besides the one identified or without a brand name at all, such as in bulk. These products have been sold from cash and carry locations. If you are unsure as to whether products are included in this recall, contact the location where they were purchased.