Appeeling Fruit, Burger King Apple Slices Recall Issued Due to Listeria Risk

Packed apples slices branded under the Burger King name and various other popular brands have been recalled after the presence of Listeria contamination was detected. 

An Appeeling Fruit sliced apples recall was announced by the FDA on September 9, after an environmental sample taken in the production facility tested positive for Listeria.

Although symptoms of listeria food poisoning may take up to two months to appear, no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

The apple slices recall poses a particular threat to young children, who may be served the apples as a healthier side alternative or with kid’s meals at Burger King Restaurants. Parents are being urged to check the products packaging to verify if the apple slices are included in the recall due to the increased health hazard risk if children contract listerosis.

The recall includes packages of sliced green and red apples sold in 2, 8, and 12 ounce bags under the Appeeling Fruit, Snack Fresh, and the popular fast food chain Burger King brand names.

The Snack Fresh and Appeeling Fruit apple slices have “Best If Used By” date September 21, 2015 and the Burger King apple slices have a best by date of September 14, 2015.

The recalled apple products were processed by Appeeling Fruit Inc. of Dauberville, Pennsylvania where they were distributed to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service customers in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania from August 31, 2015 to September 2, 2015.

Listerosis is a foodborne illness that can cause serious health consequences and death, especially for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The infection is considered by the FDA as one of the more dangerous foodborne illnesses and frequently results in hospitalizations and carries a 25% fatality rate.

Symptoms of listeria infections may include nausea, muscle ache, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. In severe cases for the elderly and young children, the bacteria could spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system resulting in sometimes fatal infections. For pregnant women, listerosis can pose a risk of miscarriages, still births, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Appeeling Fruit Inc. announced the company has already warned customers who received the potentially contaminated apple slices to remove them commerce. During the notification process, Appeeling Fruit officials say they discovered the majority of the apple slices were still in refrigerated warehouses and had not yet reached consumers.

Customers are being urged not to consume apple slices affected by the recall, which should either be disposed of properly, or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers who believe they may have consumed the recalled apple slices should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible to take the proper precautions. Customers with questions may contact the company’s consumer information desk at 1-866-873-0468 or visit them online at http://www.appeelingfruit.com.