Crunch Pak Apple Slices Recall Issued Due to Listeria Risk

Almost 5,500 cases of apple slices sold under the Crunch Pak brand name are being recalled after random sample testing indicated that some of the packages may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogens, posing a risk of serious and potentially life-threatening infections, particularly for children and others with a weakened immune system.

The Crunch Pak apple slices recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 14, after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of listeria bacteria during routine testing.

Although no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recalled apple slices, the products are often used as snacks for children, who may be particularly vulnerable to infection.

The recall includes 5,471 cases of the following Crunch Pak apple slices with expiration date of November 14, 2013; Crunch Pak® Tart Apple Slices 14 ounce bag with UPC code 732313141209, Crunch Pak® Tart Apple Slices 2 ounce bag with Low Fat Caramel Dip Multi pak of 5 with UPC code 732313091139, Crunch Pak® Tart Apple Slices 2 ounce bag Multi pak of 6 with UPC code 732313121034, Crunch Pak® Tart Apple Slices 3 pound bag with UPC code 732313481206, Crunch Pak® Sweet Honeycrisp Apple Slices 12 ounce bag with UPC code 732313120013. Crunch Pak® Blue Raspberry Flavorz Apple Slices 2 ounce bag Multi pak of 5 with Monsters University with UPC code 732313089969 are also included in the recall but have expiration date of November 18, 2013.

Crunch Pak has alerted all retail customers who have received the products for sale and has ordered them to be removed from inventory and store shelves.

Children, the elderly, pregnant women and others with weakened immune systems may be at a particularly increased risk of listeria infections. Symptoms may include muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, severe headaches and fever. If the bacteria spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream and nervous system, it could cause meningitis and other complications. Among pregnant women, infection may increase the risk of miscarriages and still births.

Listeriosis has become more prevalent and concerning than some of the more common contaminations such as Salmonella, simply because most people do not experience symptoms immediately.

In September 2011, a cantaloupe recall issued following an outbreak of listeria illnesses became one of the deadliest food poisoning outbreaks in U.S. history since 1924.

Consumers with affected apple products should stop eating them immediately and either destroy or discard them. Customers should keep their receipts to receive a full refund from their place of purchase and contact Crunch Pak at 1-509-888-7648 or visit them online at crunchpak.com for further questions.