Dole is recalling approximately 2500 cases of bagged romaine lettuce due to the a positive test result for Listeria. The product was shipped to 9 states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia). The product is already past its stated shelf-life date. There have been no recalls.
This is the third recall by Dole for bagged salads in the last few months. Last week, Dole recalled bagged Romaine lettuce (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm309601.htm). This recall was due to a positive test result for Listeria and resulted in a recall of 1077 cases distributed in six states.
Dole also had a recall of bagged lettuce back in April. (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm300414.htm). This came as a result of a positive test for Salmonella.
All three were the result of random sampling conducted by the governmental agencies. Dole is not alone in having to recall bagged salad. Rather, this is the new reality for manufacturers of processed fresh produce.
FDA Recall Notice 6/29/12
Dole Fresh Vegetables Announces Precautionary Recall of Limited Number of Salads
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm310329.htm?source=govdelivery
Contact
Consumer:
Dole Food Company Consumer Response Center
(800) 356-3111
Media:
Marty Ordman
Phone: (818) 874-4834
marty.ordman@dole.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 29, 2012 – Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling 2,598 cases of bagged salad. The product being recalled is Dole Hearts of Romaine coded 0540N165112A or B, with Use-by date of June 26 and UPC 7143000956 due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Dole Fresh Vegetables is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.
The product code and Use-by date are in the upper right-hand corner of the package; the UPC code is on the back of the package, below the barcode. The salads were distributed in nine U.S. states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia).
No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall. This precautionary recall notification is being issued due to an isolated instance in which a sample of Dole Hearts of Romaine salad yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test conducted by the FDA.
No other salads are included in the recall. Only the specific Product Codes, UPC codes and June 26, 2012 Use-by date identified above are included in the recall. Consumers who have any remaining product with these Product Codes should not consume it, but rather discard it. Retailers and consumers with questions may call the Dole Food Company Consumer Response Center at (800) 356-3111, which is open 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (PT) Monday - Friday.
Although the product is 3 days past its Use-by date and it is highly unlikely that any product is still available at retail, retailers should check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that none of the product is mistakenly present or available for purchase by consumers or in warehouse inventories. Dole Fresh Vegetables customer service representatives are already contacting retailers and are in the process of confirming that the recalled product is not in the stream of commerce.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. The illness primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.
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