Well, folks, it looks like Big Salad is at it again. Just when you thought it was safe to eat your greens, we’re hit with another nationwide recall that’s enough to make you question if that side of lettuce is worth the risk. But before you swear off vegetables altogether and embrace a diet of freedom fries, let’s dive into the details of this latest food safety fiasco.
The Culprits: BrightFarms, Dole, and More
“The FDA has announced a recall on select BrightFarms brand spinach and salad kits due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.” FDA Announcement
BrightFarms isn’t the only company in hot water. Dole Fresh Vegetables has also joined the recall party, pulling eight pre-made salad kits from shelves. The contamination was identified through routine sampling by BrightFarms’ supplier, Element Farms. Affected products include various BrightFarms salad kits with specific UPCs and “best by” dates.
Sunday 16 June 2024 – THIS! recalls Chicken and Bacon wrap because of possible contamination with E. coli #FoodAlert https://t.co/mzXREMKLR1 pic.twitter.com/cs3FQBHyiR
— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) June 16, 2024
Widespread Distribution and Health Risks
The recall affects multiple states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. These products were sold in regional grocery chains such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, ShopRite, and Wegmans Food Market.
Listeriosis symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with severe cases potentially life-threatening. The elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe complications.
More Recalls and Contamination Concerns
“Boar’s Head Provisions Co. is expanding a recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible Listeria contamination.” – Boar’s Head Provisions Co.
The contamination concerns don’t stop at leafy greens. Boar’s Head Provisions Co. is expanding its recall to include ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Additionally, Greencore USA is recalling approximately 23 pounds of chef salad products due to the inclusion of eggs that are part of an FDA recall for Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Consumer Action and Prevention
Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators, dispose of any affected products or return them for a full refund. For questions, contact BrightFarms at 1-866-857-8745 or email [email protected] with the subject line: Recall.
To prevent Listeriosis, the FSIS recommends proper handwashing, separating raw and cooked foods, reheating deli meats, avoiding certain refrigerated foods, and maintaining proper refrigerator temperatures.
The Bigger Picture: Food Safety in America
“Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes. Recalled cantaloupes are no longer available for sale.” CDC Announcement
While this recall focuses on salads and meats, it’s important to note that other food items are not immune to contamination. A recent Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes resulted in 407 illnesses, 158 hospitalizations, and 6 deaths across 44 states.
The FDA, CDC, and food manufacturers are working diligently to remove affected products from sales and consumer homes, as well as to identify the contamination source. However, this incident raises questions about the effectiveness of our food safety measures and the need for stricter regulations.
As we wrap up this unappetizing news, remember that staying informed and following food safety guidelines is crucial. But let’s be honest, folks—maybe it’s time we all considered growing our own vegetables. At least then we’d know exactly who to blame when our salad tries to kill us.
Sources
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ready-pac-foods-inc-recalls-four-salad-kits-due-possible-health-risk-listeria-monocytogenes
- https://www.eatingwell.com/brightfarms-salad-kits-recalled-listeria-contamination-8431056
- http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ohio-firm-recalls-salads-due-possible-listeria-contamination
- https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html
- https://www.foodandwine.com/dole-salad-kit-recall-8583642
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz448dj4x8xo
- https://www.southernliving.com/dole-salad-kits-recall-listeria-8580556
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6649349/
- https://www.realsimple.com/most-recalled-foods-7481655
- https://www.eatingwell.com/more-products-added-to-nationwide-deli-meat-recall-8686876
More From Around the Web:
PRE-PACKAGED SALAD KITS VOLUNTARILY RECALLED OVER LISTERIA CONTAMINATION RISK
LEADERBRAND RECALLS SALADS OVER LISTERIA FINDING
WARNING: MASSIVE NATIONWIDE FOOD RECALL OF POPULAR FOOD BRANDS YOU EAT
CDC RECALLS FRESH EXPRESS SALAD KITS, LINKED TO MULTI-STATE E.COLI OUTBREAK
WALMART RECALLS PACKAGED FRUIT DUE TO LISTERIA THREAT
FDA RECALLS SELECT BRIGHT FARMS SALAD KITS AND BABY SPINACH DUE TO POTENTIAL LISTERIA CONTAMINATION
A food manufacturer has started recalling sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets because of possible contamination with E. coli.
5 News' @NataliaGJ reports. pic.twitter.com/nSNvatJQJZ
— Channel 5 News (@5_News) June 14, 2024
Thousands of supermarket sandwiches and salad products recalled over possible E. coli contamination https://t.co/qAjPgXiNRX
— LBC (@LBC) June 14, 2024
Sunday 16 June 2024 – THIS! recalls Chicken and Bacon wrap because of possible contamination with E. coli #FoodAlert https://t.co/mzXREMKLR1 pic.twitter.com/cs3FQBHyiR
— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) June 16, 2024
More than 97,000 pounds of salad recalled due to possible E. coli contamination https://t.co/Eq3GBx5DEz pic.twitter.com/hhatfzNmUt
— WXII 12 News (@WXII) November 22, 2019