Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Health Law Blogs -> Food Safety News

Health Law

: Food Safety News

East Coast Salad Mix Recall Expands

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

A Massachusetts company has issued a recall list of more than 90 mixed salad greens and other fresh greens products distributed to retail stores on the East Coast under various brand names.
State Garden of Chelsea issued the recall notice after the Rhode Island Department of Health advised consumers earlier this week that a sample of "Northeast Spring Mix" salad at a store in that state had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
According to a news release, State Garden said the greens, which include romaine, arugula, spinach, and sweet lettuce products, were processed in its plant on Jan. 4, 2011 and have trace back codes 45693 and 45703.  These trace back codes, which are the only ones involved in the recall, usually are located in the upper right hand corner of labels and bags. The recalled greens hve "best if used by" dates no later than Jan. 15, 2011. 
The salads, greens and blends under this recall were distributed to retail stores on the East Coast under various sizes and packaged under the brand names: Gold Quality, Hannaford, Natures Place, Natures Promise, Roche Bros, Northeast Fresh, Noreast Fresh, Olivia's Organics, Signature, Wegmans. The greens were sold in clamshell containers or bags.
To see the recall list, label and package descriptions and retail outlets click here.
There have been no reports of Listeria illnesses linked to these products. The company said the recall is a precautionary measure and that it is working with the FDA and Massachusetts Department of Health.
Consumers purchased these products should not consume them.  They can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 1-888-841-6191 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST).
Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on January 27, 2011 (boomark / email).