While an apple a day may keep the doctor away, it looks as if fast food apple slices could have you racing for the emergency room.

Ready Pac Foods Inc. is recalling about 300,000 cases of apple slices and pieces, and nearly 300,000 fast food products sold at restaurants like McDonald’s and Burger King, as well many national grocery stores in over 38 states across the country.

The reason for this voluntary recall is because Ready Pac believes that these products may have been exposed to equipment contaminated with a nasty little bug known as Listeria monocytogenes.

And yes, this bacteria is as horrible as it sounds, as it has been known to cause serious or life-threatening foodborne illnesses, especially in pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, Ready Pac says no illnesses have been reported.

However, the option for apple slices in all those kiddie meals and popular fast food salads may fall by the wayside while this recall gets sorted out. Ready Pac is one of just four top producers of ready-to-eat salads, fruits and vegetables supplying the entire fast food industry.

Recalled products include Snack Pac Apples & Caramel, 4oz, marked with the Hannaford label; Fruit & Walnut Snack, 5.75oz, marked with the McDonald’s label; and the Apples, Granola & Low Fat Vanilla Yogurt, 4.3oz, with the Wegmans label.

The Use-By dates go up to August 20, and you can check the government’s list of product names and UPC codes here.

Customers can call 1-800-800-7822, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, for a refund on the recalled products.

[NPR]

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