Concerns over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination have led Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc (NYSE: FDP)  to voluntarily recall fresh cut fruit items containing Gala red apples grown in Pennsylvania. 

In a release, the company said the affected product was distributed to a limited number of customers in a few northeastern states, but had been recalled to avoid cases of infection.

The move was prompted by a random test conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Food Safety, which advised the Food and Drug Administration about the matter on Dec. 9. The release said no illnesses had been reported to date.

A total of 3,051 consumer packages containing the fruit were distributed to Giant Eagle, Amazon Fresh, Sunoco, Peter's Fruit, Wegmans, Sheetz and 7-Eleven, with "Best if Enjoyed by" dates of 12/3/14, 12/6/14, 12/7/14 and 12/8/14.

The apples were sold in a wide range of products including pineapple medleys, snack packs and gourmet fruit bowls, sold in clear plastic containers.

Infection can sometimes be fatal for young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Listeriosis symptoms may include fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distress, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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 women who are pregnant.

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