A recall was issued Saturday, March 23, 2019, for some California-grown organic avocados sold at stores in North Carolina.

Henry Avocado Corporation voluntarily recalled whole avocados sold in bulk to retail stores because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The avocados were packed at Henry Avocado’s packing facility in California and distributed in Arizona, California, Florida New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Specific stores were not named.

Retailers were alerted and asked to remove the avocados from store shelves. Consumers can identify the recalled products as those bearing “Bravocado” stickers or those that read "California" and Organic." Retailers can identify Henry Avocado organic products by their bar code.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. 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 recall was issued out of caution. There have been no reported illnesses to date.

Consumers who have purchased any recalled avocados are urged not to consume them, but to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with further questions may contact Henry Avocado at 760-745-6632, Ext 132.

Henry Avocado Corporation is fully cooperating with federal and California health officials to facilitate an efficient and complete recall of these avocados.

“We are voluntarily recalling our products and taking every action possible to ensure the safety of consumers who eat our avocados,” said Phil Henry, President of Henry Avocado.