Romaine Hearts Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for E. coli

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. is recalling a limited number of cases of organic romaine hearts due to a possible health risk from E. coli in the two products. The recall comes after "an isolated instance in which a package of Dole™ Organic Romaine Hearts – 3pk yielded a positive result for pathogenic non-O157 E.coli STEC in a routine sample collected at a retail store by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-fresh-vegetables-announces-limited-recall-organic-romaine-hearts
Dole Fresh Vegetables Announces Limited Recall of Organic Romaine Hearts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 21, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  November 21, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Produce   
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Pathogenic non-O157 E. coli
Company Name:  Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc.
Brand Name:  Dole and Wild Harvest
Product Description:  Organic Romaine Hearts

FDA Updates Investigation of E.coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce from Salinas, CA

FDA issued an update on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with Romaine lettuce from Salinas CA.   As of December 2, 2019, there have been 102 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 from 23 states. The dates of those who became ill range from September 24, 2019 to November 18, 2019 (announcement date linking outbreak to Romaine as November 22, 2019.)

There are 35 more cases than what was reported on the last update on November 26th.

Outside of the fact that the product was from Salinas, there is no additional information on the distribution or contamination.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019.
Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Romaine from Salinas, California, November 2019
December 4, 2019
FDA continues to warn against eating romaine from Salinas, investigate farms, conduct traceback

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 102
Hospitalizations: 58
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 18, 2019
States with Cases: AZ (3), CA (4), CO (6), FL (1), IA (1), ID (3), IL (1), MD (4), MI (1), MN (3), MT (1), NE (1), NJ (7), NC (1), NM (2), OH (12), OR (1), PA (8), SD (1), TX (4), VA (4), WA (2), WI (31)

LGMA Updates Requirements to Improve Safety of Leafy Greens

California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Board has adopted additional requirements to reduce risk when it comes to water used in growing lettuce and leafy greens,  These new standards are "in direct response to investigations conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration into last year’s e. Coli outbreak involving romaine lettuce."

The main action is to no longer allow the use of untreated surface water for overhead irrigation of leafy greens prior to harvest.    While the "LGMA program has always required growers to test their water because it can be a carrier of pathogens", the new requirements will now include additional safeguards including:  'categorizing the source of the water; considering how and when water is applied to the crop; conducting testing to assure the water is safe for the intended use; sanitizing water if necessary; and verifying that all of the above precautions have been taken.'

"The LGMA’s food safety practices meet, and often exceed, what is required under federal Produce Safety Rule regulations for other produce crops."

Perishable News
https://www.perishablenews.com/produce/leafy-greens-marketing-agreement-adopts-new-more-stringent-food-safety-practices-to-prevent-outbreaks/
Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Adopts New, More Stringent Food Safety Practices to Prevent Outbreaks
April 22, 2019

FDA Investigation of 2018 E. coli Outbreak Associated with Central California Grown Romaine Lettuce

FDA released their investigation report of the 2018 E. coli outbreak associated with romaine lettuce from Central California.  In this outbreak, there were "62 reported illnesses in 16 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in 25 hospitalizations and two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). There were no deaths."

What is clear is the difficulty of surface water contamination events can be for farms.
A summarized collection of the items of note from that report:

The E. coli Outbreak and identification of source:

• The romaine lettuce that made people sick was likely harvested between late September and mid-November 2018.   This is based upon "known production practices; the anticipated shelf-life of romaine lettuce; and the fact that reported illness-onset dates occurred from October 7 through December 4, 2018."
• "All E. coli O157:H7 isolates from ill consumers had a rare genetic fingerprint, as determined by whole genome sequencing, that was closely related to one previously seen in ill consumers in the U.S. and Canada in the Fall of 2016 and the Fall of 2017.  This source of this outbreak was not definitively proven, but it was felt that romaine lettuce was the source.
• The traceback indicated that multiple farms may have been involved, however only one reservoir sample was found to be positive linking that one farm. "An alternative explanation for this lack of traceback convergence to a single farm may be due to ill consumers having multiple romaine lettuce exposures and limited recollection of exposures and brands they ate."
• With regard to the progression of identification of the growing area - "By November 26, 2018, tracebacks identified a specific California growing region where romaine lettuce contaminated with the outbreak strain likely originated and this was narrowed down by December 13, 2018, to three specific California counties.

On the sediment-positive sample in the farm's reservoir system:

• "A sediment sample taken from an on-farm water reservoir in Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County, California tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. "
• "This farm, identified in multiple legs of the Fall 2018 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations, was also identified as one of the potential suppliers of leafy greens or romaine lettuce in the 2017 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations. 
• "Bacteria, such as E. coli O157:H7 can float freely in water but because they have a charged surface, they are predominantly associated with fine particulate matter, such as sediment in bodies of water, where they can persist for extended periods of time. The sediment in the bottom of reservoirs where E. coli O157:H7 can persist is likely to be stirred up into the water when pumps are used to convey water out of a reservoir. " 
• "The investigation team was not able to determine how this on-farm water reservoir became contaminated with the outbreak strain.:
• "This reservoir was not interconnected to other water sources or distribution systems in the growing region.  In the case of the Santa Maria farm, the precise route of contamination is uncertain. However, based on interviews with the grower, there are several plausible ways in which water from the on-farm water reservoir may have come into contact with the implicated romaine lettuce, including direct harvest/postharvest application to the crop and/or use of reservoir agricultural water on harvest equipment food contact surfaces."  
• "The use of agricultural water from a reservoir open to the environment has higher food safety risk as compared to that associated with use of ground water, because of the increased potential for human pathogens to contaminate surface water."

On water treatment of reservoir water:

• "In this case, the farm did have a procedure in place to collect and test reservoir agricultural water for generic E. coli and treat the agricultural water with a sanitizer before use. However, the investigation team noted that verification procedure records did not document that the water sanitizer was present at levels that would assure that the water used to contact romaine lettuce at harvest, during postharvest handling, and to wash/rinse harvest equipment food contact surfaces was not contaminated with pathogenic bacteria."
• "Inspection of water tank sanitizer treatment systems used in harvest/postharvest handling revealed that some units had undissolved sanitizer cakes and that some tank systems were constructed in a manner that likely did not allow for optimal sanitizer treatment of the agricultural water before use. Additionally, untreated water from the contaminated reservoir was used to fill tank trucks which broadly sprayed water on roads for dust abatement and these roads were traveled on by harvest equipment prior to commencing harvest operations."  

On persistence of E. coli in water and potential contamination sources:

• "The first illnesses in this outbreak occurred in early October 2018, and therefore the outbreak strain may have been present in the on-farm water reservoir for some months or even years before the investigation team collected the positive sample, or the outbreak strain may have been repeatedly introduced into the reservoir from an unknown source. Generic E. coli has been demonstrated to survive in sediments much longer than in the overlying water.  The investigation team did not identify any obvious route for contamination of the on-farm water reservoir."
• "However, evidence of extensive wild animal activity, including waterfowl, rodents, coyotes, etc., and animal burrows near the contaminated reservoir sediment was noted by the investigation team and likely warrants consideration as a possible source(s) of the human pathogen found in the on-farm water reservoir.  Additionally, adjacent land use including the use of soil amendments, or for animal grazing on nearby land by cattle and horses, may have had the potential to be reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7."

FDA Outbreak Investigation Report
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm631243.htm
Investigation Summary: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Romaine Lettuce Implicated in the Fall 2018 Multi-State Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7
PDF - 80KB
 February 13, 2019

Yuma, AZ Farmers Working to Avoid Another E. coli Outbreak Associated with Romaine Lettuce

As farmers in the Yuma AZ region prepare for the upcoming season, they are also working to prevent another E. coli outbreak that dealt a financial blow to their industry as well as sickened 210 people with 96 hospitalizations (27 developing HUS) and 5 deaths.  Although FDA found water samples from an irrigation water canal in eastern Yuma County tested positive for the same genetic type of E. coli that led to E. coli cases, and that there was a cattle feedlot in the area as a potential source of the harmful bacteria, there has been nothing definitive that has turned up regarding the 22 farm fields.  Subsequent testing didn’t find the outbreak pathogen again in the canal.

"Produce growers in Arizona and California have adopted new standards based on the information gleaned from the FDA, including additional water quality testing, increased attention to weather conditions and longer distances from feedlot operations."  Repair work has also been completed on the canal.  "FDA investigators have returned to the Yuma area to test produce at the post-harvest stage at processors and coolers."

Morning Ag Clips / Associated Press
https://www.morningagclips.com/e-coli-outbreak-still-a-concern-for-yuma-area-ag/
E. coli outbreak still a concern for Yuma-area ag
Efforts continue to identify precise vulnerabilities in industry's practices, infrastructure
PUBLISHED ON January 6, 2019

Produce Company Linked to E. coli Outbreak Issues Recall for Leaf Lettuce and Cauliflower, WA Sandwich Company Recalls Product

Adam Brothers, the only farm identified by FDA as one of the potential sources of the E.coli linked Romaine lettuce recall, issued a recall for leaf lettuce and cauliflower.  In a statement issued by the company, "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that sediment from a reservoir near where the produce was grown tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Filtered and treated water from the
reservoir may have come in contact with the produce after it was harvested. None of the filtered,
treated water has tested positive for E. coli, all E. coli tests returning negative."

A Spokane WA sandwich company is recalling sandwiches made with green leaf lettuce grown by Adam Brothers.

While the leaf lettuce filets have not been tested to determine whether or not they have E. coli contamination, the fact that the E. coli was found in a sediment sample was sufficient enough evidence for the produce grower to issue a recall.  From the sandwich company's notice, "The affected products distributed by Spokane Produce include green leaf lettuce that was originated and recalled from Adam Bros. Farming Inc. of Santa Maria, CA."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628722.htm
Adam Bros. Farming, Inc. Recalls Red and Green Leaf Lettuce and Cauliflower Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2018

FDA Updates E.coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce, At Least One Farm Identified

Updating the ongoing investigation into the E.coli O157:H7 contamination in romaine lettuce, FDA announced that one farm so far has been linked so far as a source of product.  FDA "identified a positive sample result for the outbreak strain in the sediment of a local irrigation reservoir used by a single farm owned and operated by Adam Bros. Farms in Santa Barbara County."    With that, they are leaving the romaine warning in place for "Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Barbara Counties".  While the E.coli organism found in the sediement matched the outbreak strain via Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the traceback analysis indicates that more than this one farm are probably involved.

They went on to state, "It’s important to note that although this is an important piece of information, the finding on this farm doesn’t explain all illnesses and our traceback investigation will continue as we narrow down what commonalities this farm may have with other farms that are part of our investigation. While the analysis of the strain found in the people who got ill and the sediment in one of this farm’s water sources is a genetic match, our traceback work suggests that additional romaine lettuce shipped from other farms could also likely be implicated in the outbreak. Therefore, the water from the reservoir on this single farm doesn’t fully explain what the common source of the contamination."

"As of Dec. 13, our investigation yielded records from five restaurants in four different states that have identified 11 different distributors, nine different growers, and eight different farms as potential sources of contaminated romaine lettuce. Currently, no single establishment is in common across the investigated supply chains. This indicates that although we have identified a positive sample from one farm to date, the outbreak may not be explained by a single farm, grower, harvester, or distributor."

Also as of the December 13th report, there have been 59 people infected in 15 states, with the last reported illness onset date being Nov. 16.

The farm with the positive E.coli sample in the sediment, Adams Brothers, has been cooperating.   They are a fifth generation farm.

FDA Statement
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm628400.htm
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. and FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas on new findings and updated consumer recommendations related to the romaine lettuce E. coli O157:H7 outbreak investigation
For Immediate Release
December 13, 2018

FDA Updates the Trace Back Areas for the E. coli Contaminated Romaine Lettuce

FDA provided an update on 11/28/19 to detail the counties that are involved in the trace back analysis.  According to the report, "current evidence indicates this romaine was harvested in the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California.
The specific California counties FDA is including in this region are:

• Monterey
• San Benito
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Cruz
• Ventura

There have not been any new cases since the last update on 11/26/18.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm626330.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Likely Linked to Romaine Lettuce Grown in California

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 43
Hospitalizations: 16
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: October 31, 2018
States with Cases: CA (11), CT (1), IL (2), MA (2), MD (1), MI (7), NH (2), NJ (9), NY (5), OH (1), RI (1), WI (1)

FDA Now Advises to Avoid Romaine Lettuce from Northern and Central CA

Updated 11/27/18
FDA updated its recommendation on Romaine lettuce - "If romaine lettuce does have this labeling information, we advise avoiding any product from the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California. Romaine lettuce from outside those regions need not be avoided.  Romaine lettuce that was harvested outside of the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. Hydroponically- and greenhouse-grown romaine also does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. There is no recommendation for consumers or retailers to avoid using romaine harvested from these sources."

Of course, it is important to make sure that packages of Romaine indicate harvest information, including the date and location.  The industry has agreed to voluntary labeling to ensure compliance.

There are now 43 cases with 16 hospitalizations across 12 states.

FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm626330.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Likely Linked to Romaine Lettuce Grown in California
Update: November 26, 2018

CDC Updates Case Numbers for E. coli Outbreak Associated with Romaine Lettuce

The CDC released an update of the number of cases of E. coli infection associated with the Romaine Lettuce Outbreak.   There are now 197 ceases with 89 being hospitalized and 5 deaths.  This is reported as one of the largest E. coli outbreaks.  These cases still fall in the window for the Yuma AZ grown romaine, which is reported as being completely out of the supply chain.  The reason additional cases are being reported is the lag from eating to illness to reporting on the federal level.  The last case starting on May 12.

There is still no further information on the source or contributing factors.

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce

Case Count of E. coli Infection Continues to Increase in Outbreak Associated with Romaine Lettuce

There are now 149 reported cases of E. coili infection associated with romaine.  Cases were reported from 29 different states.  There have been 64 hospitalizations and one death.

The romaine lettuce is no longer being harvested from the suspected areas of Yuma AZ.  While one farm has been linked to a set of illnesses in Alaska and this through consumption of whole heads, product from this farm does not seem to be linked to the vast majority of cases which were linked to chopped romaine.

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
Posted May 9, 2018 1:45 PM EST

E. coli Outbreak in Romaine - 121 Now Ill, One Farm Identified for Alaska Cases, but FDA Still Investigating Entire Distribution Chain

There are now 121 cases of E. coli infection from romaine lettuce with 52 hospitalizations and one death. Cases have occurred in 25 different state throughout the country.

FDA has identified one farm linked to whole head romaine lettuce involved with cases in Alaska, but have not yet identified where the contamination occurred. "The FDA has identified one farm as the source of the whole-head romaine lettuce that sickened several people at a correctional facility in Alaska. However, the agency has not determined where in the supply chain the contamination occurred. The agency is examining all possibilities, including that contamination may have occurred at any point along the growing, harvesting, packaging, and distribution chain before reaching the Alaska correctional facility where it was served." The farm was identified as Harrison Farms of Yuma AZ.

FDA further states that harvesting of romaine lettuce from Yuma is done and product would not be past its shelf-life. "All of the lettuce in question from this farm was harvested during March 5-16 and is past its 21-day shelf life. Because the growing season in the Yuma region is at its end, the farm is not growing any lettuce at this time."

CDC Outbreak Update
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
Posted May 2, 2018 2:30 PM EST

At A Glance
Case Count: 121   (https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/epi.html)
States: 25    (https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/map.html)
Deaths: 1
Hospitalizations: 52
Recall: No

CDC: 4/25 Update on E. coli Outbreak Associated with Romaine Lettuce

There are now 84 cases of E. coli infection with 42 hospitalizations related to the romaine lettuce from Yuma AZ.  Cases have occurred in 19 different states.   CDC recommends against eating any form of romaine lettuce unless you can verify that it is from an area other than Yuma.

How hard is it to determine where your romaine is from?  Probably not easy. 
Unfortunately, this will be a big impact on all those who farm or process romaine.

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce

CDC Includes All Forms of Romaine Lettuce from Yuma AZ in E. coli Outbreak

The CDC is now including all forms of romaine lettuce from Yuma AZ.  it was initially focused on chopped romaine in the E. coli outbreak.  They suggest that if you purchase romaine lettuce, you ensure that the product is not from Yuma.

There are now 53 cases of E.coli infection in 16 states with 31 hospitalized.

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce
Posted April 20, 2018 4:00 PM EST

At A Glance

• Case Count: 53(https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/epi.html)
• States: 16(https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/map.html)
• Deaths: 0
• Hospitalizations: 31
• Recall: No

What's New?

• Based on new information, CDC is expanding its warning to consumers to cover all types of romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona growing region. This warning now includes whole heads and hearts of romaine lettuce, in addition to chopped romaine and salads and salad mixes containing romaine. 
• Do not buy or eat romaine lettuce at a grocery store or restaurant unless you can confirm it is not from the Yuma, Arizona, growing region.
• Unless the source of the product is known, consumers anywhere in the United States who have any store-bought romaine lettuce at home should not eat it and should throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick. Product labels often do not identify growing regions; so, throw out any romaine lettuce if you’re uncertain about where it was grown. This includes whole heads and hearts of romaine, chopped romaine, and salads and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce. If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine, do not eat it and throw it away.
• Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell any romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona growing region.
• The expanded warning is based on information from newly reported illnesses in Alaska. Ill people in Alaska reported eating lettuce from whole heads of romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona growing region.

Canada - Public Health Notice Issued for Romaine Lettuce Due to E. coli Outbreak

In Canada, officials are investigating 30 E.coli O157 infections with one death and twelve hospitalizations.  They are linking this outbreak to romaine lettuce.  There is no more information at this time (chopped, whole, bagged, etc).  From the report, "Many individuals who became sick reported eating romaine lettuce before their illnesses occurred. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working with public health officials to determine the source of the romaine lettuce that ill individuals were exposed to."

CISION
http://www.newswire.ca/news-release
Public Health Notice - Outbreak of E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce

Romaine lettuce recalled due to Listeria

Fresh Express is recalling bags of romaine lettuce hearts due to a sample testing positive for Listeria.  The release below indicates the product was tested by FDA.  There have been no reported illnesses.  At this point, the expiration date on the product had passed so it is anticipated that there will be no product on the store shelf.

 

Why conduct a recall on expired product?  In the event product still might be on some store shelf, or in someone's refrigerator, it is important to remove it.  Especially considering that Listeria can grow at refrigerated temperatures.  Also, expired product may move through the food donation system (food banks and pantries).  Some of these outlets allow for the movement of product that has gone beyond the stated shelf-life.  Then on top of that, it is important that the company show it has taken corrective action.

Why test product about to expire?  This is probably a market survey, so product may have already traveled from the production facility to the retail level.  With a limited shelf-life product like leafy greens, there is not a big window of time.  Adding this to the time it takes for testing and positive confirmation, then it is likely that the product has already surpassed its stated shelf-life. 

But a sampling program such as this does give important information.  With little doubt, the FDA is paying a visit to this facility to see how the product may have become contaminated.  In a product such as this where there are processing steps including the removal of the outer leaves and a multiple wash step, which will include some antimicrobial agent(s), there is a good likelihood that the contamination occurred at the processing facility.

 

FDA News Release

Fresh Express Recalls Limited Quantity of Expired 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine Salad Due to Possible Health Risk

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm316923.htm

 

Contact:
Consumer:
800-242-5472
Media:
Tiffany Breaux
704-280-5938
Barbara Hines
972-724-3049

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 26, 2012 - Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of expired 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad with the expired Use-by Date of August 23, 2012 and a Product Code beginning with "G222" as a precaution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses are reported in association with the recall. No other Fresh Express products are being recalled.

Fresh Express customer service representatives are already contacting retailers to confirm the product was removed from their inventories and store shelves in accordance with standard procedures for products that have reached their expiration date. Customers with questions may contact their Fresh Express customer service representative.

In an unlikely event that consumers may still have this expired product in their refrigerators, it should not be consumed, but discarded instead. Consumers with questions 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.

The precautionary recall notification for the now-expired salad is being issued due to an isolated incident in which a sample of a singled package of 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine salad yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s random sample testing program. Fresh Express is continuing to coordinate closely with regulatory officials.

The limited quantity of recalled product is identified with a Product Code beginning with "G222" and a Use-by Date of August 23, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of the package. In addition, the UPC Code of 71279 26102 is located on the back of the package below the barcode. The 10 oz. Hearts of Romaine was distributed in limited quantities to predominantly eastern and southeastern states.

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. If it spreads to the nervous system symptoms may include headache, stiff neck or confusion. The illness primarily affects pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

###

Note:
The expired Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine salads being recalled display a use-by date of August 23, 2012 with a Product Code beginning with G222.

BRAND	PRODUCT NAME	SIZE	PKG TYPE	UPC	POSSIBLE DISTRIBUTION STATES
Fresh Express	Hearts of Romaine	10 oz	Bag	7127926102	AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

Recalls of Romine Lettuce and Organic Grape Tomatoes

Two produce companies are recalling product because they tested positive for a potential pathogen – romaine lettuce for Listeria, and organic grape tomatoes for Salmonella.  No illnesses were reported.

·        True Leaf Farms is expanding its voluntary recall of romaine to include 2,498 cartons of chopped or shredded romaine because of the potential of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  Product was delivered to 19 states.

·        Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce is expanding the geographic scope of its voluntary recall of organic grape tomatoes. Although the volume of cases from the original production lot has not changed, the company recognizes the possibility that some customers may have distributed the organic grape tomatoes beyond the original 18 states to include all states in the U.S and Canada.

True Leaf Farms Expands
Voluntary Recall of Bagged, Chopped Romaine

FDA Release 9/29/11

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm274075.htm

Contact:
Consumer:
True Leaf Farms
800-799-9475

Media:
Steve Church
831-760-620
steve@churchbrothers.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 29, 2011- True Leaf Farms is expanding its voluntary recall of romaine to include 2,498 cartons of chopped or shredded romaine because of the potential of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The initial recalled product was shipped between September 12 and 13 to a retail food service distributor in Oregon who further distributed it to at least two additional states, Washington and Idaho.

At the request of the US Food and Drug Administration the recall notification is expanded to cover additional product shipped to wholesale food service distributors in 19 states and Alberta, Canada. The states include Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Vermont. All the romaine affected by this recall has a "use by date" of 9/29/11.

No illnesses related to this finding have been reported.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that 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.

The only outlet where the romaine was available for direct consumer purchase was at Unified Grocers, Inc. Cash & Carry Smart Food Service stores in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The product at those outlets was packed in True Leaf Farms cardboard cartons. All bags carry a "use by date" of 9/29/11. This product was labeled as follows:

• 2# bags, chopped romaine- Bag and box code B256-46438-8

Photos of the label on these bags can be viewed at www.churchbrothers.com/recall¹. FDA notified the company that a sample taken as part of a random check from a single bag of chopped romaine tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. True Leaf Farms is working with FDA to inform consumers of this recall. In addition, the company is working with its food service distribution customers to ensure that other romaine products that may be implicated are pulled from the market.

"We are fully cooperating with the FDA, and we are contacting all of our customers to ensure prompt removal of any product potentially associated with the recall," said Steve Church, True Leaf Farms. "We are committed to conducting this recall quickly and efficiently to reduce any risk to public health."

Anyone who has in their possession the recalled romaine as described above should not consume it, and should either destroy it or call Church Brothers, LLC for product pickup.

Consumers with questions or who need information may call Church Brothers, LLC, the sales agent for True Leaf Farms, at 1-800-799-9475, or may visit www.churchbrothers.com² for updates.

Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce Expands Possible Distribution Area of Voluntary
Organic Grape Tomato Recall Recall
Still Confined to Original Production Lot

FDA Release 9/28/11 

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm273948.htm

Contact:
Consumer
619-661-6000
info@andrew-williamson.com

Media
Mark Munger
619 661-6004 (office)
831 345-6937 (mobile)
info@andrew-williamson.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 28, 2011 - Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce is expanding the geographic scope of its voluntary recall of organic grape tomatoes. Although the volume of cases from the original production lot has not changed, the company recognizes the possibility that some customers may have distributed the organic grape tomatoes beyond the original 18 states. Therefore, the company is extending the recall to all states in the U.S. The recall includes Canada, as initially indicated.

The recall notice is being issued out of an abundance of caution because one clamshell of Limited Edition organic grape tomatoes tested positive for Salmonella in a random sample collected and tested by the United States Department of Agriculture in Michigan.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

All customers who received the organic grape tomatoes directly from the company were notified on September 28 and advised to discard any existing product. No illnesses have been reported in association with this product.

The organic grape tomatoes are sold in 10.5 oz. plastic “clam shell” containers containing UPC code 033383655925, located on the front of the package, below the barcode. The containers also have the words “LIMITED EDITION” and “Product of Mexico” printed on the label. The organic grape tomatoes are also sold in 7 oz. plastic “clam shell” containers with Barcode 20025465, and marketed under the “Fresh & Easy” brand.

The voluntary recall only involves Limited Edition and Fresh & Easy™ labeled organic grape tomatoes and does not involve any other Limited Edition or Fresh & Easy™ branded produce items. Consumers who have any remaining product with UPC code 033383655925 or Barcode 20025465 should not consume it, but should instead discard it. As an added safety measure, retailers are encouraged to check their inventories and store shelves to confirm that product is no longer available for purchase. Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce customer service representatives are contacting retailers to confirm that the recalled product is removed from commerce.

“At Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce our highest priority is the safety and welfare of the consumer. We are committed to the highest standards of food safety and will continue to rigorously pursue the highest food safety levels possible,” said Fred Williamson, President and CEO.

Consumers with questions may contact Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce at 1 (619) 661-6000, Monday-Friday, 8am–5pm pacific time, or email questions to info@andrew-williamson.com.