Outbreaks of Listeria Food Poisoning Linked to Packaged Salads

 Posted on December 30,2021 in Food Poisoning

There are multiple ways that people in the United States may be affected by foodborne illnesses, including food products that have been contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or other toxins. In some cases, foods can become contaminated during the production process, and this may lead to large amounts of products being sold that may put people at risk of food poisoning. Recently, two separate outbreaks of food poisoning occurred due to packaged salads that were contaminated with listeria. 

Dole and Fresh Market Salads Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination

In December of 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) became aware of a number of cases of food poisoning in which people reported infections by listeria monocytogenes bacteria. While the people in these cases reported eating packaged salads that had been purchased from grocery stores, the CDC determined that there were two separate outbreaks related to products produced by different companies.

The first outbreak involved salads produced by Fresh Express that were distributed throughout the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, as well as in Canada. States where these products were sold to consumers include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, and Minnesota. Fresh Express has recalled multiple types of salad mix and coleslaw products that were produced at the company’s facility in Streamwood, Illinois. These products were sold under the following brand names:

• Fresh Express

• Bowl & Basket

• Marketside

• Weis Fresh From the Field

• Simply Nature

• Signature Farms

• Little Salad Bar

• O Organics

• Giant Eagle

• Market District

• Wellsley Farms

The second outbreak involved salads produced by Dole Fresh Vegetables. All packaged salads produced at the company’s facilities in Yuma, Arizona and Bessemer City, North Carolina have been recalled, and operations at these facilities have been suspended so that they can be fully cleaned and sanitized. The recalled products have “best used by” dates between November 30, 2021 and January 8, 2022, and they were distributed throughout the United States. The contaminated products were sold under the following brand names:

• Dole

• Ahold

• Kroger

• Simply Nature

• Little Salad Bar

• Marketside

• Nature’s Promise

• Lidl

• Naturally Better

Consumers who purchased any of the recalled products should dispose of them and clean their refrigerators and any other surfaces, foods, or other items that may have come in contact with the contaminated salads. Those who have experienced symptoms of listeria infections, including headaches, stiff or aching muscles, fevers, balance issues, or convulsions, should seek immediate medical attention. Pregnant women and people over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of serious health issues or complications due to listeria food poisoning.

Contact an Illinois Listeria Infection Injury Lawyer

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can help address issues related to food poisoning. We will work to ensure that a food product manufacturer that has allowed contaminated food to be sold to consumers will be held responsible for injuries and illnesses due to foodborne illnesses. To set up a free consultation, contact our Illinois listeria injury attorneys at 312-981-0409.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/packaged-salad-12-21-b/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/packaged-salad-mix-12-21/index.html

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresh-express-announces-recall-fresh-salad-products-due-potential-health-risk

 https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-fresh-vegetables-announces-voluntary-recall-salads-processed-its-bessemer-city-nc-and-yuma-az