While only Granny Smith and Royal Gala apples from the Bidart Bros Shafter packhouse in California have been recalled following a listeria outbreak in the US, sales of US apples have been impacted across markets in South East Asia.
The Washington Apple Commission (WAC) and the US Apple Association have been working with US embassies to ensure that the correct information is being disseminated in its export markets.
“WAC is working with our representatives to make sure that retailers have correct information regarding the safety and quality of Washington apples,” WAC international marketing director Rebecca Lyons told Fruitnet. “We have developed materials for use at retail point of purchase to reassure consumers that Washington apples were not part of the recall and continue to be a safe and wholesome choice.”
Damage control meetings took place at the end of January to address the heightened concern over imported US apples in markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia, according to The Packer.
Industry groups met with the US Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA) to discuses how international food recalls are handled, with Alex Ott, CEO of California Apple Commission, telling the US site that while the FDA works quickly to send out initial information, it’s slow to follow-up, leading to sensationalised local media reporting.
FDA spokesman Doug Karas told the US news site that the FDA had clearly stated the listeria outbreak was only traced back to the Shafter-packed Granny Smith and Gala apples from the Bidart Bros.
On top of a slight downturn in sales, on-going port disputes along the US West Coast have caused congestion and are limiting the Washington apple industry’s shipments.
“With our previously scheduled promotional activities for Chinese New Year in full swing, we are doing everything we can to move our product in Asian markets and reinforce out healthy, high-quality image,” Lyons said, adding that additional consumer promotions are being scheduled to support sales.
Among the challenges faced by the industry in recent weeks, gaining full access to China for all US apples has been a “bright spot” this season.
“We are looking forward to shipping all varieties of Washington apples to this large ad exciting market, that in the past has been a growing export destination,” Lyons said. Lyons sees potential for China to become the third largest export destination for Washington apples in coming seasons.
