Granny Smith, Gala apples recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Granny Smith and Gala apples are being recalled after the presence of Listeria moncytogens were confirmed at an apple processing facility in Shafter, Calif.

Apples should be thrown away if they originate from grower Bidart Bros. of Bakersfield or if the source of origin cannot be determined. Listeriosis can be potentially fatal, including symptoms of fever, severe headache, nausea and a stiff neck, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

"The results are devastating to the Bidart family," Leonard Bidart, President Bidart Bros, told the Food and Drug Administration in a press release. "As a family-owned grower operating in California since the 1930s, we place safety at the forefront of everything we do. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the apple-related listeriosis outbreak."

According to the Center for Disease Control, as of January 9, 2015, 32 people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 11 states. Those states are Arizona, California, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

The CDC reports that 31 ill people have been hospitalized. Listeriosis has contributed to three deaths. Ten illnesses were pregnancy-related, with one illness resulting in a fetal loss.

Consumers should not eat the Granny Smith and Gala apples being recalled by Bidart Bros. according to the FDA. Consumers who are buying or have recently bought Granny Smith or Gala apples should ask their retailers if the apples were supplied by Bidart Bros.