Aldi and Kroger are recalling four types of apples due to concerns about possible listeria contamination.
The Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious and Honeycrisp apples were sold in Aldi stores in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina, starting on Dec. 13, and through the grocery delivery service Instacart in the Atlanta area. We've heard from several people in East Tennessee who were also notified about the recall.
Large and lunchbox-size Fujis and lunchbox-sized Galas sold at Kroger stores between Dec. 12 and Tuesday are also affected.
Listeria monocytogenes may cause serious or fatal infections in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems as well as miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In healthy people, listeria can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
No illnesses have been reported, the FDA said.
The recalled apple are:
Aldi Fuji apples, 3 lb. bag, UPC 033383087139
Aldi Gala apples, 3 lb. bag, UPC 033383086897
Aldi Golden Delicious apples, 3 lb. bag, UPC 033383081175
Aldi Honeycrisp apples, 2 lb. bag, UPC 079954000015
Aldi Honeycrisp apples, unpackaged, PLU sticker 3283
Kroger large Fuji apples, PLU sticker 4131
Kroger lunch box Fuji apples, PLU sticker 4132
Kroger lunchbox Gala apples, PLU sticker 4129
Both retailers are advising people who bought these apples to throw them away or return them for full refunds.
The problem stemmed from Jack Brown Produce of Sparta, Mich., who flagged a produce processed and shipped by one of its suppliers, Nyblad Orchards, between Dec. 11-16 after routine sampling found listeria, according to Jack Brown Produce. The company sells or distributes the fruit under the brand name Apple Ridge.
"Jack Brown Produce, Inc. has ceased the distribution of any further products processed at Nyblad Orchards, as the FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem," Jack Brown Produce said in a statement.
Trader Joe's has issued a recall for three prepackaged salads that may contain shards of glass and hard plastic. Buzz60
Anyone with questions about the recall may call Jack Brown Produce at 616-887-9568 weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
"Aldi takes the safety and integrity of the products it sells seriously," the company said. "Aldi sincerely regrets any inconvenience and concern this voluntary recall may cause."
Follow USA TODAY reporter Zlati Meyer on Twitter: @ZlatiMeyer
