FDA ISSUES HEALTH WARNING ABOUT AVOCADO PULP IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

FDA is warning consumers in southern California not to consume avocado pulp products from two distributors, G Products and T & G Sales, because these products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that 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.

G Products is recalling three lots of its avocado products. T & G Sales was issued a warning letter by the FDA on February 1, 2001.

The G Products bulk avocado pulp product was distributed in Southern California, primarily to small Mexican style fast food restaurants in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. T & G Sales bulk avocado pulp product was distributed in San Diego County, primarily to small Mexican style fast food restaurants from November 2000 through January 2001. These products, if frozen, have a shelf life of 3 to 4 months.

The G Products avocado pulp is packaged in bulk heat sealed, 6 pound, clear plastic bags. Product labeling identifies the product as G Products Brand 100% Haas Avocado "Pulp" or "Chunky" style. The date codes are stamped on the label as "DEC 05 2000," "JAN 17 2001," and "JAN 30 2001."

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall is the result of routine sampling by the FDA at the time of importation. FDA laboratory findings confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in lots from each importer, and the importer was instructed to hold the lots intact and not distribute them. However, these products were distributed without an FDA release.

It is recommended that restaurants that may have purchased avocado pulp products from these companies check their inventories and discontinue using any of these products listed above. Restaurant owners and concerned consumers with questions may call G Products at 619-295-7910 and T & G Sales at 619-232-9020 or 619-778-4957.

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