The CEO and founder of a popular children's applesauce brand is apologizing after the company announced a voluntary recall for some of its applesauce products.
"I can't begin to express how sorry we are that this happened, and we appreciate your patience and support," said GoGo squeeZ CEO Michel Larroche in a statement posted to the company's website.
Officials in Michigan found “food product residue” in two product pumps during an inspection at a GoGo squeeZ factory in Traverse City, the company said.
“While it is possible the food product residue may have been incorporated into finished product, we test our applesauce extensively, and at this time, we have not seen evidence of this in our pouches,” Larroche said. “At GoGo squeeZ, our team takes food safety matters very seriously, so in an abundance of caution, we are recalling products. We are so sorry that this happened.”
The recall includes:
- GoGo squeeZ non-organic applesauce pouches with best before dates between Dec. 4, 2015, and March 4, 2017. The pouches say "Product of USA" on the back and have a 5-character production code beginning with the letters US and followed by a 3-digit number beginning with 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 or 08.
- GoGo squeeZ non-organic applesauce cartons with best before dates between Dec. 4, 2015, and March 4, 2017. The cartons say "Product of USA" on the back and have a 6-character production code ending with the numbers 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 or 08.
No illnesses have been linked to the recall. Anyone who believes they may have been affected can request a product replacement voucher on the company's website.
In 2015, GoGo squeeZ issued a voluntary recall after mold was found in some packages.
“We understand you may be losing patience with us,” Larroche said. “We have worked hard to earn your trust, and we are taking action to make sure we continue to deserve it.”
The company is working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and other experts to ensure the issue isn't repeated. GoGo squeeZ has stopped producing its products at its Traverse City factory as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the food product residue.
“We will not begin production in this factory again until we are confident the problem is fixed,” Larroche said. “All other production facilities continued to operate under our extreme caution and care.”