Food Safety Humor

FSPCA - Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Fresh Express Recalls a Multitude of Salad Items After Testing Finds Listeria that Matches Outbreak Strain

Fresh Express is recalling certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was necessitated when the Michigan Department of Agriculture received a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test of a single package of Fresh Express 9 oz. Sweet Hearts salad mix with Use-By Date of December 8, 2021, manufactured at the Fresh Express Streamwood facility.

The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. As of December 21, 2021, 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from eight states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 26, 2016 to October 19, 2021.
The sample of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts salad mix with a Use-By-Date of December 8, 2021 collected and tested by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and subsequent whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the Listeria monocytogenes present in the samples matches the strain that has caused illnesses in this outbreak.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 19, 2021
States with Cases: IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA

Recalled Brands include - Bowl and Basket, Fresh Express, Giant Eagle, Little Salad Bar, Market District, Marketside, O Organics, Signature Farms, Simply Nature, Weis Fresh from the Field, and Wellsley Farms. Recalled salad items were distributed through retailers in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, as well as distributors and retailers in Canada. U.S. distribution includes the states of CT, IA, IL, IN ,KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, WI. Canadian distribution includes the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.

Look for codes on front of bag -  Z324 through Z350




https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresh-express-announces-recall-fresh-salad-products-due-potential-health-risk
Fresh Express Announces Recall of Fresh Salad Products Due to Potential Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  December 21, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Possible Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Fresh Express
Brand Name:  Fresh Express, Bowl and Basket, Giant Eagle, Marketside and Others
Product Description:  Multiple Fresh Salad Products
Company Announcement

December 20, 2021, Orlando, FL – Fresh Express is recalling certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Consumers with these symptoms should consult their health care provider.

Recalled salad items were distributed through retailers in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, as well as distributors and retailers in Canada. U.S. distribution includes the states of CT, IA, IL, IN ,KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, WI. Canadian distribution includes the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.

The full list of recalled products is found at the end of this announcement. The recall includes all Use-By Dates of fresh salad items with product codes Z324 through Z350. Product codes are located on the front of the packages below the Use-By Date, as shown above. No other Fresh Express products are subject to recall.

The recall was necessitated when the Michigan Department of Agriculture received a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test of a single package of Fresh Express 9 oz. Sweet Hearts salad mix with Use-By Date of December 8, 2021, manufactured at the Fresh Express Streamwood facility. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported ten illnesses associated with the strain of Listeria monocytogenes detected in the random sample beginning in 2016 to the present.

Fresh Express immediately halted all production at the Streamwood facility and initiated a complete sanitation review. Fresh Express has already been in contact with retailers who received the recalled items, instructing them to remove them from store shelves and stop any further shipments to stores from distribution centers and other inventories.

In the event consumers have the recalled products in their refrigerators, they should be discarded and not consumed. To obtain a refund or for more information, consumers may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Refunds are also available where purchased.
Product Product Code UPC Code
Bowl & Basket Baby Spinach 16oz Z324 through Z350 41190066360
Bowl & Basket Spring Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 41190066469
Fresh Express 50/50 Mix 10oz Z324 through Z350 71279275062
Fresh Express 50/50 Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279271033
Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix 6oz Z324 through Z350 71279251011
Fresh Express American 11 oz Z324 through Z350 71279241005
Fresh Express America's Fresh 3 Color Deli Cole Slaw 14 oz Z324 through Z350 71279123004
Fresh Express America's Fresh 3 Color Deli Cole Slaw 24 oz Z324 through Z350 71279127019
Fresh Express America's Fresh Old Fashioned Cole Slaw 14oz Z324 through Z350 71279123011
Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix 5 oz Z324 through Z350 71279271224
Fresh Express Baby Spinach 10 oz Z324 through Z350 71279275048
Fresh Express Baby Spinach 20 oz Z324 through Z350 71279271262
Fresh Express Baby Spinach 5 oz Z324 through Z350 71279271002
Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Kit 9.4 oz Z324 through Z350 71279309194
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Asian 12.3 oz Z324 through Z350 71279302027
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Avocado Ranch 12.8 oz Z324 through Z350 71279309439
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Bacon Thousand Island 9.4 oz Z324 through Z350 71279302096
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Bacon&Bleu 10.8 oz Z324 through Z350 71279306063
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar 11.4 oz Z324 through Z350 71279306049
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Pomegranate 10.3oz Z324 through Z350 71279309101
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Poppyseed 11.7oz Z324 through Z350 71279309118
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Southwest 11.5 oz Z324 through Z350 71279306025
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp 11.1oz Z324 through Z350 71279309064
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Sweet Kale 10.9oz Z324 through Z350 71279306056
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Thai 'N" Cashews 11.7 oz Z324 through Z350 71279309248
Fresh Express Chopped Romaine Club Size! 32oz Z324 through Z350 71279261003
Fresh Express Fancy Greens 7 oz Z324 through Z350 71279232010
Fresh Express Farmer's Garden 9 oz Z324 through Z350 71279281025
Fresh Express Garden Jardin Shreds Iceberg 8 oz Z324 through Z350 71279107080
Fresh Express Garden Shreds Green Leaf 4.5oz Z324 through Z350 71279151021
Fresh Express Garden Shreds Iceberg Z324 through Z350 71279151014
Fresh Express Garden Shreds Iceberg 14oz Z324 through Z350 71279152004
Fresh Express Gourmet Café Creative Classics Chicken Caesar 5.75 oz Z324 through Z350 71279407074
Fresh Express Gourmet Cafe Santa Fe Greek 5.23 oz Z324 through Z350 71279407135
Fresh Express Green & Crisp 11oz Z324 through Z350 71279108049
Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine 18oz Z324 through Z350 71279262017
Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine 9oz Z324 through Z350 71279261027
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden - Jardin Iceberg 12 oz Z324 through Z350 71279104126
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden - Jardin Iceberg 24 oz Z324 through Z350 71279104133
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden - Lechuga Repollo 12 oz Z324 through Z350 71279103020
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden - Lechuga Repollo 24 oz Z324 through Z350 71279104119
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden - Lechuga Repollo 3 lb Z324 through Z350 71279106014
Fresh Express Italian 9oz Z324 through Z350 71279211008
Fresh Express Kit Bacon Caesar 10.3 oz Z324 through Z350 71279301082
Fresh Express Kit Caesar - Cesar 9.8 oz Z324 through Z350 71279301006
Fresh Express Kit Caesar Family Size 19.5 oz Z324 through Z350 71279310053
Fresh Express Kit Caesar Lite 9.8oz Z324 through Z350 71279301013
Fresh Express Kit Caesar Supreme 10.5oz Z324 through Z350 71279301044
Fresh Express Kit Italian Balsamic 10.5oz Z324 through Z350 71279302072
Fresh Express Kit Parisienne Supreme 16 oz Z324 through Z350 71279310022
Fresh Express Kit Pear Gorgonzola 6.7oz Z324 through Z350 71279309019
Fresh Express Kit Spinach & Bacon 10.2oz Z324 through Z350 71279302102
Fresh Express Kit Spinach & Bacon 7.7oz Z324 through Z350 71279302089
Fresh Express Leafy Green Romaine 9oz Z324 through Z350 71279261126
Fresh Express Lettuce Trio - Lechuga Trio 9oz Z324 through Z350 71279108094
Fresh Express Organic Baby Arugula 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780030
Fresh Express Organic Baby Kale 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780191
Fresh Express Organic Baby Romaine 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780054
Fresh Express Organic Baby Spinach 10oz Z324 through Z350 71279785028
Fresh Express Organic Baby Spinach 16oz Z324 through Z350 71279785059
Fresh Express Organic Baby Spinach 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780023
Fresh Express Organic Salad Kit Classic Caesar 9.8oz Z324 through Z350 71279787015
Fresh Express Organic Salad Kit Sweet Dijon Onion 7.6 oz Z324 through Z350 71279787039
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix 50/50 Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 71279785073
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix 50/50 Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780085
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix Baby Sweet Lettuce 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780092
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix Fresh Herb Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780047
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix Spring Mix 10oz Z324 through Z350 71279785011
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix Spring Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 71279785042
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix Spring Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780016
Fresh Express Organic Salad Mix Super Greens 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279780207
Fresh Express Premium Romaine - Lechuga Romana Especial 9oz Z324 through Z350 71279108087
Fresh Express Premium Slaw Salad Kit - Asian Avocado 9.7 oz Z324 through Z350 71279126043
Fresh Express Premium Slaw Salad Kit - Honey Pecan 9.3oz Z324 through Z350 71279126036
Fresh Express Shreds Iceberg 8 oz Z324 through Z350 71279151014
Fresh Express Spinach & Arugula 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279271194
Fresh Express Spinach 16oz Z324 through Z350 71279785165
Fresh Express Spinach 8oz Z324 through Z350 71279132044
Fresh Express Spring Mix 10oz Z324 through Z350 71279275031
Fresh Express Spring Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279231006
Fresh Express Sweet & Crunchy 5oz Z324 through Z350 71279271187
Fresh Express Sweet Butter 6oz Z324 through Z350 71279221038
Fresh Express Sweet Hearts 9oz Z324 through Z350 71279221052
Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Chopped Salad Kit Asian Caesar 9.6 oz Z324 through Z350 71279309231
Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Chopped Salad Kit Asian Caesar 9.6oz Z324 through Z350 71279302126
Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Chopped Salad Kit Avocado Caesar 9.7 oz Z324 through Z350 71279309217
Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Chopped Salad Kit Caesar 9.4oz Z324 through Z350 71279302119
Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Chopped Salad Kit Greek Caesar 9.3oz Z324 through Z350 71279309224
Fresh Express Veggie Lover’s 11 oz Z324 through Z350 71279281063
Fresh Express Veggie Lover’s 11oz Z324 through Z350 71279281001
Fresh Express Veggie Spring Mix 7oz Z324 through Z350 71279281049
Giant Eagle American 11 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492310
Giant Eagle American 24 oz Z324 through Z350 3003493037
Giant Eagle Angel Hair Slaw 10 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492317
Giant Eagle Avocado Chopped Kit 7oz Z324 through Z350 3003494286
Giant Eagle Baby Spinach 10 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492327
Giant Eagle Baby Spinach 5 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492313
Giant Eagle Bacon Caesar 10.3 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923365
Giant Eagle Caesar Supreme 10.5 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923358
Giant Eagle Caesarlite Salad 9.8 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923341
Giant Eagle Chopped Asian Style 12 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923310
Giant Eagle Chopped Avocado Ranch Salad Kit 12.8 oz Z324 through Z350 30034939441
Giant Eagle Chopped Caesar 10.4 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923402
Giant Eagle Chopped Chipotle Cheddar 11.4 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923389
Giant Eagle Chopped Southwest Style 11.5 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923327
Giant Eagle Chopped Sunflower Crisp 11.1 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923396
Giant Eagle Chopped Sweet Kale 11.9 oz Z324 through Z350 30034923297
Giant Eagle Coleslaw 16 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492309
Giant Eagle Fancy Greens 7oz Z324 through Z350 3003494283
Giant Eagle Garden Salad 12 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492319
Giant Eagle Hearts of Romaine 9 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492312
Giant Eagle Italian 9 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492311
Giant Eagle Juicing Greens 11 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492321
Giant Eagle Leafy Romaine 9 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492324
Giant Eagle Pomegranate Chopped Kit 10.3 oz Z324 through Z350 3003494284
Giant Eagle Romaine Garden Salad 12 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492316
Giant Eagle Shredded Lettuce 16 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492320
Giant Eagle Shredded Lettuce 8 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492315
Giant Eagle Spinach 16 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492308
Giant Eagle Spinach 8 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492348
Giant Eagle Spring Mix + Spinach 5 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492325
Giant Eagle Spring Mix 5 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492323
Giant Eagle Sweet & Crunchy 5 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492326
Giant Eagle Sweet Butter 6 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492307
Giant Eagle Sweet Hearts 9 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492322
Giant Eagle Veggie Lovers 11 oz Z324 through Z350 3003492328
Little Salad Bar Asian Chopped Salad Kit 12.3 Z324 through Z350 99100086960
Little Salad Bar Avocado Ranch Chopped Salad Kit 13.2 oz Z324 through Z350 99100219542
Little Salad Bar Caesar Chopped Salad Kit 10.5oz Z324 through Z350 99100263934
Little Salad Bar Caesar Salad Kit 10.5 oz Z324 through Z350 99100086991
Little Salad Bar Chef Salad 6.2oz Z324 through Z350 99100107368
Little Salad Bar Chicken Caesar Salad 8.75oz Z324 through Z350 99100096068
Little Salad Bar Classic Coleslaw 14oz Z324 through Z350 4.0991E+11
Little Salad Bar Cranberry Walnut Salad 4.5oz Z324 through Z350 99100096174
Little Salad Bar Garden Salad 12oz Z324 through Z350 99100082979
Little Salad Bar Italian Salad 9oz Z324 through Z350 99100083181
Little Salad Bar Santa Fe Style Salad 7oz Z324 through Z350 99100096143
Little Salad Bar Southwest Chopped Salad Kit 12 oz Z324 through Z350 99100087028
Little Salad Bar Spinach 8 oz Z324 through Z350 99100083419
Little Salad Bar Spring Mix 5 oz Z324 through Z350 99100083495
Little Salad Bar Sunflower Chopped Salad Kit 11.3 oz Z324 through Z350 99100087905
Little Salad Bar Sweet Butter 6 oz Z324 through Z350 99100083037
Little Salad Bar Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit 12.2 oz Z324 through Z350 99100083549
Market District Ultimate Kale Caesar Salad Kit 8.5 oz Z324 through Z350 30034939724
Marketside Angel Hair Coleslaw 10oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Baby Greens Salad 6oz Z324 through Z350 81131355023
Marketside Baby Spinach 11oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Baby Spinach 6oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Bacon Caesar Salad Kit 14.6oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Butter Lettuce Salad 6oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Caesar Salad Kit 14.5oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Chopped Romaine Mix 9oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Asian 13.6oz Z324 through Z350 81131305158
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Avocado Ranch 12.3oz Z324 through Z350 81131305134
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Bacon Ranch Crunch 12.8oz Z324 through Z350 81131305448
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Caesar 11.3oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Cherry Almond Gorgonzola 13.7oz Z324 through Z350 81131305165
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Kale Pecan Cranberry 9.5oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Southwest 13.4oz Z324 through Z350 81131305127
Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Sunflower Bacon Crunch 13.8oz Z324 through Z350 81131305141
Marketside Classic Iceberg Salad 12oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Classic Iceberg Salad 24oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Crisp Greens 12oz Z324 through Z350 81131355030
Marketside Family Size Caesar Salad Kit 22.3oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Family Size Sunflower Bacon Crunch Chopped Salad Kit 22.3oz Z324 through Z350 61131377346
Marketside Fresh Spinach 10oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Hearts of Romaine 10oz Z324 through Z350 68113102783
Marketside Leafy Romaine 9oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Organic Baby Arugula & Baby Spinach 5oz Z324 through Z350 6.81132E+11
Marketside Organic Baby Arugula 5oz Z324 through Z350 68113122173
Marketside Organic Baby Spinach & Baby Kale Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Organic Baby Spinach 16oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Organic Baby Spinach 5oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Organic Spinach & Spring Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 81131354781
Marketside Organic Spinach & Spring Mix 5.5oz Z324 through Z350 81131354798

Marketside Organic Spring Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 81131354767
Marketside Organic Spring Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 81131354774
Marketside Premium Romaine Salad 18oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Premium Romaine Salad 9oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Shredded Iceberg Lettuce 16oz Z324 through Z350 6.81132E+11
Marketside Shredded Iceberg Lettuce 8oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
Marketside Spinach & Spring Mix 11oz Z324 through Z350 81131355016
Marketside Spring Mix 11oz Z324 through Z350 81131355009
Marketside Spring Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 81131354996
Marketside Tri-Color Cole Slaw 16oz Z324 through Z350 6.81131E+11
O Organics Organic Baby Arugula 16oz Z324 through Z350 7989340944
O Organics Organic Baby Arugula 5oz Z324 through Z350 7989340883
O Organics Organic Baby Kale 5oz Z324 through Z350 7989340916
O Organics Organic Baby Spinach 16oz Z324 through Z350 7989340857
O Organics Organic Baby Spinach 5oz Z324 through Z350 7989340852
O Organics Organic Half & Half Blend 16oz Z324 through Z350 7989340915
O Organics Organic Half & Half Blend 5oz Z324 through Z350 7989340910
O Organics Organic Spring Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 7989340856
O Organics Organic Super Greens Blend 5oz Z324 through Z350 7989340941
O Organics Spring Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 79893408538
Signature Farms 50 -50 Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 2113014670
Signature Farms 50/50 Mix 10oz Z324 through Z350 2113041918
Signature Farms Baby Spinach 10oz Z324 through Z350 2113041919
Signature Farms Baby Spinach 5oz Z324 through Z350 2113014669
Signature Farms Baby Spring Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 21130146680
Signature Farms Coleslaw 3 Color 14oz Z324 through Z350 21130111961
Signature Farms Garden Salad 12oz Z324 through Z350 2113098135
Signature Farms Green & Crisp 11oz Z324 through Z350 21130419128
Signature Farms Lettuce Shreds 8oz Z324 through Z350 21130112180
Signature Farms Premium Romaine 9oz Z324 through Z350 21130419166
Signature Farms Spinach 8oz Z324 through Z350 2113098134
Signature Farms Spring Mix 10oz Z324 through Z350 21130419173
Signature Farms Sweet & Crunchy 5oz Z324 through Z350 2113014671
Simply Nature Organic Baby Spinach & Arugula Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 99100087974
Simply Nature Organic Baby Spinach 5oz Z324 through Z350 99100088551
Simply Nature Organic Chopped Kale 12oz Z324 through Z350 99100088735
Simply Nature Organic Mixed Greens 5oz Z324 through Z350 99100088049
Simply Nature Organic Spring Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 99100088612
Weis Fresh From the Field 50-50 Salad Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 41497067756
Weis Fresh From the Field Baby Spinach 5oz Z324 through Z350 41497067763
Weis Fresh From the Field Baby Sweet Lettuce 5oz Z324 through Z350 41497067824
Weis Fresh From the Field Spinach & Arugula 5oz Z324 through Z350 41497076192
Weis Fresh From the Field Spring Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 41497067770
Wellsley Farms Organic 50-50 Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 88867009193
Wellsley Farms Organic Arugula 5oz Z324 through Z350 88867006716
Wellsley Farms Organic Baby Spinach 16oz Z324 through Z350 88867006711
Wellsley Farms Organic Herb Mix 5oz Z324 through Z350 88867009195
Wellsley Farms Organic Lettuce Blend 16oz Z324 through Z350 88867009194
Wellsley Farms Organic Spring Mix 16oz Z324 through Z350 88867009192
Wellsley Farms Organic Super Greens 16oz Z324 through Z350 88867006714

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-fresh-express-packaged-salad-december-2021
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Fresh Express Packaged Salad (December 2021)
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled packaged salad; FDA investigation ongoing

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. According to the CDC, as of December 21, 2021, 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from eight states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 26, 2016 to October 19, 2021.

As a part of routine sampling, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) collected a product sample of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts salad mix with a Use-By-Date of December 8, 2021 for testing. The sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and subsequent whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the Listeria monocytogenes present in the samples matches the strain that has caused illnesses in this outbreak.

In response to the sample results and the ongoing outbreak investigation, Fresh Express voluntarily ceased production at the Streamwood, IL, facility and initiated a recall of certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois facility. The recall includes all Use-By Dates of fresh salad items with product codes Z324 through Z350. Product codes are located on the front of the packages below the Use-By Date, as shown above. No other Fresh Express products are subject to recall. A full list of recalled products is available on FDA’s website.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Recommendation
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers, should not eat, sell, or serve recalled packaged salads. A full list of recalled products is available on FDA’s website.

FDA recommends that anyone who received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.


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