Publix Spinach Dip Recall Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Publix Super Markets issued a voluntary recall for spinach dip because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The problem was discovered as a result of routine microbial testing conducted by Publix, according to the FDA. The 16 ounce containers of prepackaged spinach dip were sold at Publix retail deli departments with a UPC of 41415-00062 and use by date of OCT 10 C1. The spinach dip was sold in Publix grocery stores in Florida. The following counties in Florida did not receive recalled product: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee. Publix stores in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee are not involved with this recall.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. However, Listeria has an incubation period as long as 70 days, so anyone who as eaten the recalled Publix spinach dip should watch for symptoms of listeriosis, the illness caused by food contaminated with Listeria bacteria. The symptoms of listeriosis include:
- Flu-like fever and muscle aches
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Stiff neck, headache, loss of balance, confusion or convulsions
- Flu-like symptoms in pregnant women
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 147,500 employees, with 2010 sales of $25.1 billion. Currently Publix has 1,038 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 14 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American Customer Satisfaction Index survey.
