To:               Health Commissioners, Environmental Health Directors, Nursing Directors, ODA Food Safety Specialist, and Other Interested Parties

Subject:        Recall Announcement  (ODA/ODH) 2001-11

Date:            March 26, 2001         

FRESH PRODUCTS NORTHWEST RECALLS “ CRUNCH PAK” BRAND
SLICED APPLES BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

Wenatchee, WA – March 23, 2001 – Fresh Products Northwest, LLC is recalling its “Crunch Pak” Fresh Sliced Apples packages because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

Routine analysis of recent samples of our sliced apples has indicated the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.  Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The apples under recall are packaged in 2 ounce, 6 ounce, 6.75 ounce, and 1 pound poly bags and 3 pound and 30 pound poly bags in shipping boxes.  The product can be identified by the “Crunch Pak” brand and “best if used by” date of March 21 through and including April 11, 2001 which is printed on the bag or carton label.  All later “best if used by” dates are not affected by this recall.  All varieties of “Crunch Pak” brand are included under this recall.

The product was distributed to wholesalers and retailers in the following states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

No illness has been reported to date in connection with this problem.

"We have taken the precautionary step of voluntarily recalling all products that fall within the mentioned dates of March 21 through April 11", said Tony Freytag, General Manager of Fresh Products Northwest, LLC. Fresh Products Northwest, LLC regularly and routinely conducts voluntary microbiological tests as part of its ongoing commitment to product safety. The recall was initiated after this testing discovered that product was possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  Fresh Products Northwest, LLC is working closely with the Food and Drug Administration to assure that consumers are properly alerted and that all product is withdrawn from store shelves and warehouses.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return any unused product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Fresh Products Northwest, LLC continuously strives to provide only the safest and highest quality products to consumers.  Anyone with questions and comments may call the Recall Coordinator Mary Hixson at (541) 608-1719.