Granny Smith apples
The Trade Ministry issued a trade ban on Granny Smith and Gala apples grown by the Bidart Bros in Bakersfield, California. The imported apples from the US were said to be contaminated with the bacteria listeria monocytogenes.
“The Trade Ministry is imploring the public not to consume [the apples] and for the product’s distributors and importers to pull its distribution from the market,” said Widodo, general director of Standardization and Consumer Protection in the Ministry of Trade, as quoted by Kompas today.
According to Kompas, listeria could cause infections in adults that lead to high fever, headaches, muscle aches, and diarrhea.
Worse, it could be fatal for infants, children, old people and those with weak immune systems. Listeria infection could also cause miscarriages in pregnant women.
“For consumers who have already bought the apple, please do not consume it,” Widodo said.
This import ban by the government echoes similar measures taken by other countries in Southeast Asia. Granny Smith and Gala apples were recalled in the US after a recent listeria outbreak resulted in several deaths.
