LIHUE California-grown avocados are being recalled over possible listeria contamination, but Kauai residents probably dont have to worry.
LIHUE — California-grown avocados are being recalled over possible listeria contamination, but Kauai residents probably don’t have to worry.
That’s because most of the island’s avocados come from Mexico, according to Earl Kashiwagi, of Esaki’s Produce, distribution company that supplies most of Kauai’s grocers and vendors.
“Ours are not from California,” Kashiwagi said Thursday afternoon.
Kashiwagi said his company doesn’t purchase bulk avocados from the Henry-Avocado Corporation, a Southern California company that voluntarily recalled avocados over listeria concerns in six states earlier this week.
Though no sickness has been reported in association with the listeria-tainted avocados, the bacteria was discovered during routine government inspection at the California packing facility.
The bacteria is on the outside of the fruits, and can taint the rest of it when you slice the avocado. Listeria can cause fever and muscle aches, as well as flu-like symptoms, nausea and diarrhea.
None of Kauai’s avocados are associated with the recall.
Good thing, because Kauai consumes a lot of avocados.
Kashiwagi says they alone go through 100 to 200 cases a week as they deliver to sushi bars and Mexican restaurants as well as grocers.
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Jessica Else, environment reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
