MONROVIA, Calif., Feb. 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Trader Joe's was alerted by the supplier of its Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole that the avocados from which it was made had the potential to cause a food borne illness that could have serious consequences. The lots are coded 2/28/04; 2/29/04; 3/1/04; 3/2/04; 3/3/04; 3/4/04. The product in question was distributed in Trader Joe's stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada only. There have been no reports of illness.
We take the safety of our customers and the integrity of our products very seriously. These are the steps we took:
Immediately upon hearing from our supplier, we directed all stores to take off sale and destroy all codes of Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole. We discontinued the sale of Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole.
We directed our stores to post signs prominently in the store to alert all customers to refrain from eating any Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole they might have purchased in the last ten days.
We offered a full refund to any customer who returned a container of Trader Jose's Fresh Guacamole to any of our stores.