Romaine Lettuce Recalled Due to Listeria Risk Distributed to Idaho, Oregon and Washington
True Leaf Farms, Salinas, Calif., recalled 90 cartons of chopped romaine lettuce because of the potential of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled product was shipped between September 12 and 13 to an institutional food service distributor in Oregon, which further distributed it to at least two additional states, Washington and Idaho.
The recalled bags of romaine were packed in True Leaf Farms cardboard cartons and distributed by Church Brothers, LLC, and shipped between September 12 and 13, 2011. All bags carry a “use by date” of 9/29/11. Produce affected by the recall was labeled as follows:
- 2# bags, chopped romaine – Bag and box code B256-46438-8
FDA has 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.
No illnesses related to this finding have been reported yet, but anyone who has eaten recalled romaine should watch for Listeria symptoms:
- Flu-like fever and muscle aches
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Stiff neck, headache, loss of balance, confusion or convulsions.
Pregnant women generally have mild, flu-like symptoms, but their unborn babies can die.
In the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, Listeria poisoning can cause death or serious illness, often resulting in permanent brain damage.
Tags: Listeria
