Date Expired Salad Kits Recalled After Sample Yields Positive E. coli Result

Fresh Express is recalling a limited number of cases of expired 10.5 oz. Fresh Express Kit Caesar Supreme with the Use-by Date of November 8, 2020 (already expired by 8 days) as it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli STEC 026 bacteria.  The recalled product was distributed primarily in Western and Southwestern U.S. states.  The recall was issued after a random test discovered the organism in a sample.  There have not yet been any reported illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresh-express-recalls-limited-quantity-expired-fresh-express-kit-caesar-supreme-due-potential-health
Fresh Express Recalls Limited Quantity of Expired Fresh Express Kit Caesar Supreme Due to Potential Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 17, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  November 17, 2020 

Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Escherichia coli STEC 026 bacteria
Company Name:  Fresh Express
Brand Name:  Fresh Express
Product Description:  Fresh Express Kit Caesar Supreme.

FDA Warning Letter - Inadequate Allergen Controls at Salad Kit Company

A California salad processor was issued a Warning Letter by FDA for not have an Allergen Preventive Control at the masterpack addition step (the point in the process where the add the packets of salad add-ons....like dressing, nuts, etc. In the case that required a recall, “[t]he incorrect masterpack (kit with dressing and other toppings) was unintentionally used during the production of the [Tuscan Herb Chopped Salad Kit,]” "The masterpack used held dressing that contained peanut butter and almond, cashew, and chow mein noodle (wheat) toppings" Not items that would be added to a Tuscan Herb Chopped Salad. The firm "indicated that the cause was that [the company] “did not have a robust enough verification process for product changeover.”

So FDA issued a Warning Letter for not identifying and implementing food allergen controls adequate to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of undeclared allergens as evidenced by [the] firm using an incorrect masterpack in your Tuscan Herb Chopped Salad Kit. This masterpack addition error caused {the] product to contain undeclared major food allergens."


FDA Warning Letter

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/dole-fresh-vegetables-inc-608414-09252020

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. 

MARCS-CMS 608414 — September 25, 2020 

Salad Kits Linked to E. coli Outbreak Affecting Eight, Not Same Strain as from Salinas Romaine Outbreak

CDC and other agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections.  There have been 8 cases with 3 hospitalizations.  The cases of illness started on dates ranging from November 5, 2019, to November 15, 2019

Information collected to date indicates that Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kits are a likely source of this outbreak.  Of seven ill people with information available, all seven (100%) reported eating any leafy green in the week before their illness started. Six ill people reported eating or maybe eating a Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kit.  It is not yet known if this outbreak is related to a current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region, but the outbreak is caused by a different strain of E. coli O157:H7 than the current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region.

CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/o157h7-12-19/index.html
Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits
Posted on December 9, 2019 at 6:45 PM ET

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states and Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kit.

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 8
States: 3
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Recall: No

Producer of Ultra-fresh, Organic Meals is Recalling Salads After Spinach Supplier Has E. coli Positive Samples

A California-based food company, self-described as a producer of ultra-fresh, organic meals,  is voluntarily recalling 76 salads and wraps that contain spinach that may be contaminated with E. coli.  Spinach from a supplier tested positive for a 'small amount' of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.  Urban Remedy will no longer buy spinach from that supplier.  At this point, the product has already exceeded it's shelf-life date. 

Not sure whether it was pathogenic E. coli or generic E. coli.  Not sure what constitutes 'a small amount.'  Not really sure what differentiates fresh from ultra-fresh.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/urban-remedy-voluntarily-recalls-76-salads-wraps-may-contain-ecoli-bacteria-no-illnesses-reported
Urban Remedy Voluntarily Recalls 76 Salads, Wraps That May Contain E.Coli Bacteria No Illnesses Reported, Company Taking Preventive Action

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  September 12, 2019

FDA Publish Date:  September 13, 2019

Product Type:  Food & Beverages Prepared Food

Reason for Announcement:  may be contaminated with E. coli

Company Name:Urban Remedy

Brand Name: Urban Remedy

Product Description: Salads and Wraps

Egg Salad and Similar Salad Items Recalled After Sampled Product Tests Positive for Listeria

A Tennessee food establishment, Elevation Foods, is recalling containers of Archer Farms-brand egg salad; Freskëtbrand egg salad, tuna salad, and Thai lobster salad; and Archer Farms-brand deviled egg sandwiches produced on June 18, 2019 after testing by Florida Dept of Ag found  positive Listeria monocytogenes in 3 samples.  The state shelf life dates on the product vary, but are generally about 6 weeks, plenty of time for growth of Listeria at refrigerated temperatures.  (6 week old egg salad or tuna salad sounds less than desirable.)

It will be interesting to see if additional lot codes are recalled.  Having 3 positives in a given sampling could mean a more serious issue and with that, more additional date codes may need to be recalled.   While no illnesses have been reported, whole genome sequencing may unveil some linkage, hopefully not.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/elevation-foods-recalls-packaged-egg-salad-tuna-salad-thai-lobster-salad-and-archer-farms-deviled
Elevation Foods Recalls Packaged Egg Salad, Tuna Salad, Thai Lobster Salad, and Archer Farms Deviled Egg Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 19, 2019
FDA Publish Date: July 19, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Elevation Foods, LLC
Brand Name:  Archer Farms, Freskët
Product Description:  egg salad, tuna salad, Thai lobster salad, and deviled egg sandwiches

Company Expands Recall of Salads After Additional Listeria Found, but Limits Amount of Product Recalled

A California company is expanding a voluntary recall of single-serve salad bowls. The recall comes after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed the company that another random sample of their salad with a (5.5oz) with Best Before Date of Dec 29, 2018, so as" a precautionary measure, [the company] is recalling all products produced on the same day, same production line, as the one sample that tested positive by CFIA."  The last recall was issued after CFIA found Listeria on product produced with a Best Before Dec 14th, and the company recalled the product produced on that date.

So will this company just wait for CFIA to find more positives before expanding the recall again?  Having an agency found two product positive should be a clear indication that this company probably does not have Listeria under control.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm629152.htm
Apio Inc. Expands Voluntary Recall of Eat Smart Salad Shake Ups Single-Serve Bowls
For Immediate Release
December 26, 2018

California Company Recalls Salad Due to Listeria Positive Sample

Apio, Inc. of Guadalupe, California is recalling salad bowls after after informed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that one random sample of salad bowl product with Best Before of Dec 14, 2018 tested positive for Listeria Monocytogenes. The are currently only recalling products produced on the same day and same production line as the one that tested positive by the CFIA. 

Hopefully this company has faith in thier controls that the Listeria is limited to one lot, which would mean that the contamination is more an incidental, transient issue rather than an endemic, process-source contamination.  In the past, recalls start off small with companies assuming contamination was a one day event, only to expand as they discover the issue is much bigger.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628566.htm
Apio, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Five Skus of Eat Smart Single-Serve Salad Shake Ups™
For Immediate Release
December 15, 2018

FDA Provides Update of Cyclospora Outbreak Associated with McDonald's Salads

As of August 2, 2018, there have been a total of 395 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection reported in people who consumed salads from McDonald’s restaurants; the cases were reported by 15 states.   McDonald's immediately discontinued sales of the salads upon notification.

FDA found cyclospora in product packed by Fresh Express, but by the time the analysis was complete, the product had date-expired.  

Fresh Express recalled product that went to Caito Foods and thus the recall by that company.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm613513.htm

FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses Linked to Fresh Express Salad Mix Served at McDonald’s

Pasta Salad Recalled After Potentially Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in Midwest

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling its Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad due to the potential that it may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company recalled the produc after learning 20 illnesses in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa were potentially linked back to customers consuming the salad.  The pasta salad was distributed to all of Hy-Vee’s 244 grocery stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613777.htm
Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Spring Pasta Salad Due to Reported Illnesses
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2018

Health Alert Issued for Salad Items With Potential Listeria Contamination

A public health alert was issued for chicken meat products produced by Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods, a Vallejo, Calif. establishment.   may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Notice comes after receiving notification that the broccoli products used in the chicken salads were included in a U.S. Food & Drug Administration recall due to potential contamination with L. monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because it is believed that all products are no longer in commerce and are past their “Use by” dates.

This recall is related to the other Listeria / vegetable products from Mann packing recalled on October 20, 2017.

FSIS Health Warning Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2017/pha-103117
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Poultry Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination 

CA Company Recalls Taboule Salad after Sample E. coli STEC Positive

Haig’s Delicacies of Hayward, CA is recalling 342 cases of Taboule Salad because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria (E. Coli O157:H7).  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company detected the presence of E. coli O157:H7.  No illnesses have been reported to date.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm583041.htm
Haig’s Delicacies LLC Recalls Lot of Taboule Salad Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
October 30, 2017

Egg and Ham Salad Sandwiches Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

The US affiliate of Greencore, an international company specializing in making ready made sandwiches, is recalling Egg Salad and Ham Salad sandwiches and Seafood Stuffing after FDA samples and found Listeria in the food processing environment.    The product was distributed in Northeast US

It was not stated where in the facility the samples were found, but one would expect that it was in an area that implicated the potential for product contamination.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm578325.htm
Greencore USA, LLC Recalls Egg Salad Sandwiches, Ham Salad Sandwiches, and Seafood Stuffing Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
September 29, 2017

Deli Chicken Salad Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

King Soopers retail chain is recalling deli chicken salad after the supplier indicated that the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The product is a deli pack with the clear plastic tortoise shell packaging.

Listeria is a risk in premade salad items like this.  From the retailer's perspective, it is critical to ensure the supplier has tight controls and a solid enviromental monitoring system.

It is interesting to note that the recall was posted on 9/27, but the retailer was notified on 9/21.  This seems to be a pretty long delay.  Hopefully the recall began immediately at store level.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm577865.htm
King Soopers Recalls Deli Chicken Salad Sandwich (6.8oz) Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
September 27, 2017

Packaged Salad Items Recalled Due to Metal Pieces from Construction

A NY based produce company is recalling salad products due to the potential for metal pieces.  The metal was said to be generated from construction activities. 

Many facilities carryout construction activities while they are producing products.  However, it is critical to protect product from contamination.  Metal pieces can easily be shot over wide areas during construction activities such as grinding and wielding.

BrightFarms is an interesting company.   Based in NY, the company is building huge hydroponic greenhouses in various market areas in order to grow produce locally to supply those markets.  [Story below].

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm559445.htm
Brightfarms Announces Voluntary Regional Recall of Produce Due to Potential Presence of Metal Pieces From Construction
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2017

Bagged Salad Mix Recalled After Dead Bat Found in Bag

Walmart is recalling their Marketside Spring Mix Salad after the supplier "Fresh Express was notified that extraneous animal matter was allegedly found in a single container of the salad".   That extraneous matter was a dead bat.

While of course, everyone worries about rabies, but this would be an extremely low risk.  Rabies virus is an enveloped virus and does not survive in the environment well if at all. While there have been some rare, laboratory-created instances of it be transmitted through aerosol with depleted oxygen, this is really a non-factor.  The bigger risks are the normal foodborne pathogens that can be carried by bats, including Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia as well as some more exotic bacterial types.  Depending on where the bat entered the system would determine the amount of dissemination of these types of organisms.

Now how does bat get into a bag?  If not intentionally placed there by someone, and one had to guess....it would most likely come into the packaging area of the processing plant at night.  The greens are chopped and washed, so unlikely that it came in the loads of produce (unless some component was not chopped).  More likely, this flew into the plant at night when doors were left opened and took refuge in the equipment.  If this were the case, it occurred after sanitation.  When the greens started flowing, the little dude was crushed and loaded into the bag.  All a guess of course, but if true, would probably be in one of the bags from early in the production run..  Prevention....keeping doors shut at night, especially dock doors. X-ray equipment would have likely found this if in place.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm551649.htm
Precautionary Recall of a Limited Quantity of Organic Marketside Spring Mix Salad is Announced by Fresh Express
For Immediate Release
April 8, 2017

Ready-made Salads Recalled Due to Potential Listeria Contamination of Cheese Ingredient

Ready Pac's three production facilities (CA, GA, NJ) are recalling one type of salad due to the potential for Listeria in the Pepper Jack Cheese Ingredient that was used in the salad.  The company stated the recall was conducted after they were notified by their cheese supplier of the issue.  The name of the cheese company was not made available in the release.


USDA News Release
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-015-2017-release
Ready Pac Foods Inc. Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Class I Recall 015-2017
Health Risk: High Feb 22, 2017

Congressional and Public Affairs Kristen Booze (202) 720-9113 Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2017 – Three Ready Pac Foods Inc. establishments, located in Swedesboro, N.J., in Jackson, Ga., and the headquarters establishment in Irwindale, Calif., are recalling approximately 59,225 pounds of one variety of chicken salad product that may be adulterated withListeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Man Arrested After IntentionallyContaminating Salad Bar

A California man was arrested after he intentionally contaminated a salad bar with an unknown substance.  A twelve year old reported being sick after eating at the establishment.

ABC10 , KXTV Lake Tahoe, CA
http://www.abc10.com/news/local/california/man-arrested-for-poisoning-food-in-lake-tahoe/355219270
Man arrested for poisoning food in Lake Tahoe
11:17 PM. PST November 22, 2016

Salad Leaf Juice Enhances the Growth, Attachment, and Virulence of Salmonella

A study recently published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology shows that juices from leafy greens can enhance the growth, colonization, and virulence of Salmonella.  When chopping salad leaves, juices will be released from the cut surface.  The metabolites in these juices will enhance the growth of Salmonella as well as enhance its ability to form biofilms attaching to the leaf and bag surfaces.  There was even increased virulence.

While no one should avoid eating leafy greens, this study reinforces the need for good practices when growing, harvesting, processing and storing bagged chopped leafy greens.  Contamination on leafy greens is generally low, however, if improperly processed or handled, even a few inconsequential organisms can increase to the point where it becomes a problem.  For storage, bagged chopped salad should always be stored at refrigeration temperatures.

Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-salmonella-bagged-salads-idUSKBN13O2VM
Health News | Wed Nov 30, 2016 | 7:24am EST
Bagged salads may encourage Salmonella growth
By Carolyn Crist

Supermarkets Recall Foodservice Bean Salad Items Because of Supplier Listeria Concern

Supermarket chains Giant and Wegman's are recalling bean salad after notification by the bean supplier of Listeria contamination.  The product is a foodservice item that is sold in display cases by the pound.

Giant News Release
 https://giantfoodstores.com/product-recalls/recall-details/?recallid=urn:uuid:C91FAD3A-F4CE-46B9-18D8278FEF62D8CB&page=1
PRODUCT RECALL: Own Brands 3 Bean Salad

Maryland Company Recalls Potato Salad Due to Use of Peas with Listeria

A Maryland company is recalling potato salad for potential Listeria contamination.  This comes after their supplier of peas, National Frozen Foods, recalled peas for Listeria.  It is important to point out that the product, at this point, is past the expiration date.

The interesting item with this is that the product was shipped using Amazon Fresh, the grocery delivery arm of Amazon.com.  In fact, the product appears to have been made in Maryland and then shipped to Washington state (the recall was announced for product sold in Washington state area.) 

Do you wonder if people who ordered the potato salad realize it was made close to 3000 miles away?
Gaps in the cold supply chain where product may be exposed o higher temperatures can be an issue if Listeria is present in that any prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can increase growth potential.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm510429.htm
Hearn Kirkwood Recalls "Evie's Cheddar Potato Salad" Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
July 6, 2016