Kiwis recalled in Florida and 13 other states might have a deadly foodborne illness
Organic green kiwifruit from New Zealand has been recalled in 14 states after Kentucky’s Department for Public Health found listeria during routine testing.
David Oppenheimer and Company, which said the problem traces to two grower lots, announced the kiwi recall Tuesday afternoon via a notice posted on the FDA website.
Here’s what to know:
What is listeria?
Listeria kills about 260 of the 1,600 Americans infected each year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Senior citizens, pregnant women and children under 5 are the most vulnerable to listeria’s worse effects. Listeria can cause stillbirths and miscarriage. Listeria symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, high fever, severe headaches, stomachaches, stiffness, confusion and poor balance.
Which kiwis are recalled?
The recall covers kiwis sold under the Zespri brand in 1-pound clear plastic clamshells with UPC code 8 18849 02009 3. The fruit inside has stickers with GTIN code 9400 9552. They were shipped to stores between June 14 and July 7.
They were shipped to stores in Florida, New York, Texas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
What you should do now?
If you have these kiwis, return them for a refund or throw them out. If you have questions, call David Oppenheimer and Company via phone at 866-698-2580, Monday through Friday, noon to 7:30 a.m. Eastern time, or email contact@oppy.com.
