If You See This On Your Avocado, You Should Stay Far, Far Away
This weekend avocado lovers everywhere were hit with the worst possible news: California-grown avocados in six states are being recalled due to potential contamination with the bacterium listeria. Here's what you need to know.
The avocados in question are from the Henry Avocado company, who found the contamination during a routine inspection, according to the company's statement. The recalled avocados (both conventionally grown and organic avos are part of the recall) were sold in Arizona, California, Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Avocados imported from Mexico and distributed by Henry Avocado are not subject to the recall and can be eaten without concern, said the company.
So how do you know if your avocado could make you sick or if it's benign? Potentially contaminated avos that were conventionally grown sport a sticker that says "Bravocado." The organic ones don't have the "Bravocado" sticker but are labeled "organic" and include "California" on the sticker. Here's what they look like:
If you spot the sticker or bar code, chuck your avo in the trash (RIP) or–if you're like me and get annoyed that you spent $1.50 a pop on a fruit that might make you sick–take them back to the grocery store where you bought them for a refund.
So far, no one has gotten sick from noshing guac, but the concern is legit. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA recall notice. Healthy individuals may get a high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
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