FOOD SAFETY ALERT: DOLE-BRANDED AND PRIVATE LABEL PACKAGED SALADS
BACKGROUND
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released information about a recall on certain Dole-branded and private label packaged salads from two of its processing plants. The recall involves a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes contained in the iceberg lettuce of these products, which may have been distributed in Mesa County.
- These products are likely not on the shelf anymore but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
WHAT IS LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES?
- Listeria monocytogenes, commonly called listeria, is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
- Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
DESCRIPTION OF RECALLED PRODUCTS
- Products subject to the recall from one processing plant are identified by a product lot code beginning with the letter “W” and a “Best if Used By” date between December 22, 2021 and January 9, 2022.
- Products subject to the recall from the other processing plant are identified by a product lot code beginning with the letter “B” and a “Best if Used By” date between December 23, 2021 and January 8, 2022.
- The product lot codes are located in the upper-right-hand corner of the package (see example below)
- View a complete list of recalled products here.
WHAT SHOULD CONSUMERS DO?
- Consumers who have any of these products in their refrigerators are urged not to consume the product and to discard it immediately.
- If you suspect you have symptoms of a listeriosis infection, seek medical care immediately.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
- Retailer and consumer questions about the voluntary recalls should be directed to the Dole Consumer Response Center at 800-356-3111, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Pacific Time.