Phl recalls US imported apples

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Trade Department issued an advisory today recalling imported gala and granny apples from the United States, warning consumers that the apples may cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

The Department's Consumer Protection Group cited a report forwarded by the US Food and Drug Administration that several shipments of the apples may have been exposed to Listeria bacteria.

The bacteria was found to have caused the so-called " Listeriosis" outbreak in several states in the United States.

Listeriosis is an infection that primarily affects the aged, pregnant women, newborns and people with weak immune system. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, confusion and convulsions. People infected with Listeriosis may die if untreated.

California-based Bidart Bros. produces and sells the said products. Bidart said in a statement that about 30,000 cartons of gala apples and 345,000 cartons of granny apples were shipped internationally.

In the Philippines, two trading firms brought in Bidart apples from the United States, MB Fresh International and International Produce Group LLC.

The apples, though mostly for apple caramel production, was brought in fresh to the Philippines under fresh fruit category.