BUENA PARK, Calif., Feb. 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Fresh Food Concepts, Inc., is recalling 16-ounce cups of Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole and Senior Felix's Guacamole because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria is a common organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with a weakened immune system. 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 affected products were sold on or after Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at Whole Foods outlets in Torrance and Los Angeles, as well as Trader Joe's stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. The 16-ounce cups of Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole have a UPC code of 00320849; the Senor Felix's Guacamole cups, five of which were sold at the Whole Foods outlet in Torrance and one of which was sold at the Whole Foods outlet on San Vicente Boulevard in Los Angeles, have a UPC code of 35196-55200. Products potentially contaminated have "Use By" expiration listings between 2/28/04 and 3/4/04. Expiration listings can be found on the label on the lid or the bottom of the cups.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after an avocado pulp sample from an outside supplier tested positive for Listeria.
Production and distribution of this product have been suspended while the company and the Food and Drug Administration investigate the source of the problem.
Consumers who purchased the 16-ounce cups of Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole and Senior Felix's Guacamole products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (714) 562-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inquiries about the recall can be made at any time at (626) 347-1073.