Warning! Listeriosis Outbreak in selected apple brands sold in Philippines

Photo: Facebook

There are imported apples from California that are contaminated by Listeria bacteria, and caused death to atleast 3 people. These brands are GALA and GRANNY SMITH apples. These apple brands are already recalled in all stores in United States of America.

In the Philippines there are still of these brands available in the market place, and could put in danger among Filipino people.

What Is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection most commonly caused by Listeria monocytogenes,[1] although L. ivanovii and L. grayi have been reported in certain cases. Listeriosis primarily causes infections of the central nervous system (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, brain abscess, cerebritis) and bacteremia in those who are immunocompromised,[2] pregnant women, and those at the extremes of age (newborns and the elderly), as well as gastroenteritis in healthy persons who have ingested a large inoculum of the organism.

A bacteria called listeria was first found in prepackaged caramel apples. But the FDA is concerned that other products may be tainted.

On January 6, 2015, Bidart Brothers of Bakersfield, California voluntarily recalled all Granny Smith and Gala apples after environmental testing showed positive contamination with Listeria at the firm’s apple packing facility.
Other brand names are Granny’s Best. Some apples may not have brand names at all.

What are the Symptoms of Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a rare but serious illness caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. Anyone who experiences fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, or develops fever and chills after eating commercially-produced, prepackaged caramel apples should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about any history of eating those caramel apples. Symptoms can appear from a few days up to a few weeks after consumption of the contaminated food.

Here's an important advice by a Certified doctor, Dr. Willie T. Ong

1. Don't buy apples imported from Bidart Bros. apple-packing facility in California. If you think you may have these apples in your refrigerator, throw them away.
2. If you cannot determine whether these apples could have come from the Bidart Bros. plant in California, then it’s best to just throw them away.
3. Because listeria can live in cold temperatures, it can contaminate other food items in your fridge. Hence, you have to sanitize the walls and shelves of your refrigerator. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach added to 1 gallon of hot water. You should sanitize the chopping boards, utensils and counter tops that came in contact with these items. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
4. For other imported products like apple chips and apple juice, there has been no definitive advisory on these. However, common sense dictates that we refrain from eating these items for the moment.
5. Monitor the news to see when these California-produced apples are safe to eat again.

(Dr. Willie Ong served as Department of Health media consultant from 2010 to 2014.)

Source: Facebook , FDA