Fresh Express Recalls Bagged Lettuce Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Fresh Express, one of the leading manufacturers of ready-to-eat salads is recalling Romaine lettuce hearts.  Product tested as part of the FDA's random testing program was found to be positive for Salmonella.  No illnesses have been reported.

Fresh Express Issues Recall of Limited Quantity of 18 oz. Hearts of Romaine Salad Due to Possible Health Risk

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323535.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 11, 2012 - Charlotte, North Carolina – Fresh Express Incorporated is conducting a voluntary, precautionary recall of a limited quantity of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad with a Use-by Date of October 11 and Product Code of S270A24 due to a possible health risk from Salmonella.

No illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported to Fresh Express at this time in association with this recall. No other Fresh Express products are subject to this recall.

The recall notification is being issued out of an abundance of caution based on an isolated instance in which a random sample yielded a positive result for Salmonella as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s random sample testing program. Fresh Express is coordinating closely with regulatory officials.

Fresh Express customer service representatives are already contacting relevant retailers to confirm the recalled product has been removed from store shelves and inventories and that none is available for consumer purchase. Customers with questions are instructed to contact their Fresh Express customer service representative. The recalled salads were distributed primarily in the West-Northwest and Midwest regions of the U.S.

Consumers who may have purchased the recalled salad are asked not to eat it, but to throw it out instead. Fresh Express is offering a full refund. Consumers with questions or who would like to secure a refund may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Specific recall information follows:

 Product Being Recalled: Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine in 18 oz. package
Product Code: S270A24 (located in upper right corner on front of package)
Use-by Date: October 11 (also located in upper right hand corner of package)
Distribution: Primarily in West-Northwest and Midwest regions of the U.S. 

Salmonella is an organism that may cause fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and possibly bloody diarrhea in healthy individuals. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Consumers with these symptoms should consult their health care provider.
Fresh Express Precautionary Salad Recall- 10/11/12 (No other Fresh Express Salads are included in this recall)

BRAND	PRODUCT NAME	SIZE	UPC	Production Code	Best If Used By Date	POSSIBLE DISTRIBUTION STATES
Fresh Express	Hearts of Romaine	18 oz.	071279-262017	S270A24	OCT 11	AZ, AR, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, LA, MN, MT, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY

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