Guacamole Recall Issued Due to Risk of Listeria Contamination

Listeria contamination has been detected in guacaomole used to make dips sold by Fresh Food Concepts, resulting in the recall of a number of products. 

The guacamole recall was announced on August 12 by the FDA after the agency’s sampling program found that the imported avocado pulp used to make the guacamole dip contained Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which could cause consumers to suffer listeriosis food poisoning. There have been no illnesses reported in connection to the recalled layer dip products.

The recall affects a dozen different 5- to 7-layer dips by Fresh Food Concepts, Inc., all of which have a Use By date code of 09/16/11 and before. The recalled guacamole was used in the following products:

• Delicioso 5 Layer Dip, 15 oz (UPC Code 29358-12229)
• Delicioso 5 Layer Dip, 30 oz (UPC Code 29358-12230)
• Fresh Food Concepts 5 Layer Dip, 16 oz (UPC Code 35196-44216)
• Fresh Food Concepts 5 Layer Dip, 32 oz (UPC Code 29358-11272)
• Fresh Food Concepts 5 Layer Dip, 454 g (UPC Code 35196-44214)
• Rojo’s Ultimate 7 Layer Dip, 36 oz (UPC Code 35196-44162)
• Rojo’s Supreme 6 Layer Dip, 44 oz (UPC Code 47502-44180)
• Rojo’s 6 Layer Dip, 44 oz (UPC Codes 47502-44185 and 47502-44189)
• Signature Café 6 Layer Dip, 15 oz (UPC Code 21130-06191)
• Signature Café 6 Layer Dip, 30 oz (UPC Code 21130-06192)
• Signature Café 6 Layer Dip, 425 g (UPC Code 58200-06034)
• Signature Café 6 Layer Dip, 850 g (UPC Code 58200-06032)

The dips were sold nationwide in the U.S. and Canada at retail supermarkets and club stores.

Listeria infections, also known as listeriosis, pose a particular risk for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, illness from Listeria bacteria can cause miscarriages and still births. The fatality rate associated with listeriosis is about 25%.

Blood tests are usually required to diagnose listeriosis, which can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of listeriosis 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.

Fresh Foods Concepts recommends that consumers who have purchased the recalled product return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or destroy it. Consumers with questions can call the company at 1-714-562-5000 ext. 134.