Escondido, CA--Henry Avocado Corporation has issued avoluntary recallof California-grown whole avocados due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illness have been reported in association with this recall, which was prompted by positive test results on environmental samples taken during a routine government inspection of the company's packing facility in California.

The recall includes California-grown conventional and organic avocados that were distributed in Arizona, California, Florida New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin. All shipments from the company's packing facility in California are subject to the recall. According to the company, avocados imported from Mexico and distributed by Henry Avocado are not subject to the recall and may be sold and consumed.

The recalled products are to be removed from store shelves immediately. Consumers who already purchased recalled avocados are urged not to consume them, but to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the announcement. Consumers with further questions may contact Henry Avocado at (760) 745-6632, Ext 132 or visitwww.henryavocado.com/media.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the announcement. Infection is also linked with miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms (such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea).

Additional details on the recall, including photos to help in the identification of affected avocados, can be foundhere.