Why did Malaysia restrict US Gala and Granny Smith apples?

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Malaysia Restricts US Apple Imports Due to Listeria Contamination Fears

Malaysia has imposed a restriction on the entry of Gala and Granny Smith apples originating from the United States. This measure was implemented following confirmation of suspected contamination with Listeriosis bacteria, a pathogen linked to significant health impacts in North America. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry received official notification regarding this contamination from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approximately two days before announcing the import ban.
Suspected Listeria Contamination Identified

The restriction targets Gala and Granny Smith apple varieties from the US due to concerns over Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is known to cause listeriosis, an infection that can lead to severe illness. The US FDA provided the Malaysian authorities with information detailing the contamination issue.
Health Impacts in North America Cited

The contamination of these US-sourced apples is understood to have had serious health consequences in both the United States and Canada. Reports indicate that the outbreak has resulted in at least three fatalities and a considerable number of illnesses among consumers in these countries. This public health concern in North America prompted Malaysia's precautionary import restriction.
Contamination Traced to Processing Facility

Further details indicate that the spread of the Listeria bacteria was identified at an apple processing centre. Specifically, the contamination was detected at Bidart Bros, a facility located near Bakersfield, California. The affected apples were those that had been coated with caramel at this processing site.
Ministry Lacks Jurisdiction for Recalls

While the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry has the authority to restrict imports, it does not possess jurisdiction over apples already present within Malaysia. The recall of products already in the domestic market falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health, which oversees food nutrition and safety for products already distributed.

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Why did Malaysia restrict US Gala and Granny Smith apples?

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