Many equate organic foods with healthy living. This month’s organic mango recall has reminded us that no food is immune to dangerous bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found a sample of Pacific Organic Produce organic mangoes contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers who recently purchased mangoes in New Jersey, Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas need to check the source of their fruit to avoid falling ill to this nasty bacteria.

During a routine produce testing by the FDA, a Pacific Organic Produce mango tested positive for listeria, Food Safety News reported. Following this discovery, the San Francisco-based company released a statement announcing the voluntary recall of organic Tommy Atkins mangoes labeled with PLU numbers 94051 & 94959. The recall only includes mangoes sold under the brand "Purity Organic" between April 14, 2014 and May 2. According to Techsonia, no illnesses have been reported. Pacific Organic Produce explained in its statement that the recall is a precaution. So far, there has only been a single sample to test positive for the contaminant.

Pacific Organic Produce continues to take measures to contain the situation. "At this point, our focus is on working closely with the FDA, and if the product was contaminated, taking all appropriate steps," Amy Rosenoff, a spokeswoman for Pacific Organic Produce, told Medical Daily. Consumers can find the PLU number printed in the middle of the PLU sticker on the fruit. Those who have bought mangoes matching these PLU numbers are urged to dispose of them immediately.

Customers can expect to be fully reimbursed by their grocers. No other Pacific Organic Produce products are being recalled. "Pacific Organic Produce has an outstanding history when it comes to food safety and this will continue to be our highest priority," Rosenoff added.

According to information by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeria is a serious infection most commonly caused by eating contaminated food. Those most in danger of falling ill are the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with a weakened immune system. Symptoms of listeria include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and other intestinal problems. It is especially dangerous in pregnant women and has been associated with miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, and life-threatening infections to the newborn.

This year there has already been a number of food recalls issued in the United States. Recalls occur when there is reason to believe that a food may cause a consumer to fall ill. They can be initiated by the manufacturer or distributer, but in some situations the recalls are requested by government agencies. Some of these include an egg recall earlier this month, a peppercorn recall in April, and a tomato sauce recall in January. To get a full list of FDA health recalls for 2014, please visit the FDA’s website.