Indonesia joins Asian neighbors in California apple import ban
The U.S. produce industry continues to be punished abroad for its relatively proactive stance on food safety, with Indonesia now the latest South East Asian nation to clamp down on some apple imports from the country. 
What started as a voluntary recall of Granny Smith and Gala apples from California-based Bidart Brothers due a positive listeria tests at its packing plant, has generated hype and uncertainty in distant markets due to incorrect media reports in Malaysia and a social media storm that ensued.
Yesterday, Northwest Horticultural Council executive vice president Mark Powers described some of the claims that had been circulating as "outlandish", but consumers have been reacting nonetheless.
A U.S. listeria outbreak has caused three deaths and led to 32 people getting sick across 11 states, with two strains that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed are identical to those found at the Bidart facility.
No cases have yet been reported overseas.
After Malaysia raised its concerns, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam followed suit with their own respective bans on specific apples of certain origins within the U.S.
The Jakarta Post reports that now the Indonesian Government has also taken action, banning all Californian Gala and Granny Smith apples.
The story reported Indonesian companies did not import apples from the California plant, which are marketed under the names Granny's Best and Big B, however authorities took their stance as the fruit could potentially be sold under other brand names and be brought in from neighboring countries in small figures.
"We will lift the import ban once the US declares they are safe to consume," Indonesia's trade ministry director general for standards and consumer protection Widodo was quoted as saying.
Related stories: U.S.: Listeria apple media claims in Asia "outlandish", says Powers
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