The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections associated with the consumption of Fresh Express packaged salad.
To date, the outbreak has been associated with 10 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations, and one death spanning the following states: Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Frank Yiannas, FDA deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said in a statement, “To date, a positive sample of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts salad mix has been reported to match the outbreak strain. Fresh Express has voluntarily recalled products and consumers are advised not to eat, sell or serve any recalled products. Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to communicate should additional products be implicated.”
A sample of Fresh Express prepackaged romaine and sweet butter lettuce was collected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as part of its routine sampling efforts. The sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and was a match to the outbreak strain. Given this, Fresh Express voluntarily ceased production at their Streamwood, Illinois, facility and initiated a recall of certain varieties of its branded and private label salads produced in that facility.
The recall includes all Use-By Dates of fresh salad items with product codes Z324 through Z350.
Related: Fresh Express Recalls Salad Products; 5 Steps to Enacting a Recall.