Alpine Fresh Inc. of Doral, FL, is recalling its 1-pound packages of “Hippie Organics” french green beans after company testing found contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The company distributed the organic green beans in Whole Foods stores in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Maryland; in Aldi stores in Florida; and in LIDL stores in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.
The recalled green beans are in 1-pound, clear plastic packages marked with lot number 313-626 on the back on a small, white label, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.
No illnesses had been reported as of the posting of the recall notice in connection with the green beans. However, it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop.
“The problem has been found to be isolated to the identified lot and the company has taken corrective actions to prevent a recurrence,” according to the company’s notice.
Consumers who have the recalled organic green beans are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 866-827-3362.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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