Avocado Recall and Pregnancy By, Dr. Michael Cardwell

The Henry Avocado Company has announced the recall of avocados sold in several states, including Wisconsin. The company found Listeria in routine testing of its packaging facility in California. There have not been any cases of Listeria reported; the company is acting proactively. If you have California Avocados from Henry, you should return them to the store or discard them. Listeria is a VERY uncommon cause of infection, but it can cause harm to your baby if you develop it while pregnant. The symptoms of Listeria infection include fever, body or muscle aches, and GI symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. If you think you have been exposed, take the following action:

1. If you don’t have or develop any symptoms, there is nothing you need to do. You and your baby are safe.
   
   
2. If you develop mild GI symptoms but no fever, there is still nothing that you need to do. Should you develop a fever greater than 100.8 degrees you should call the clinic.
   
   
3. If you have a fever and the symptoms listed above you should contact the clinic to discuss testing for Listeria and treatment.

Remember that no cases have been reported associated with this recall. It is all precautionary. The treatment for Listeria is a two week course of IV antibiotics and we would not treat anyone preemptive.