Two people were killed and 17 others have been sickened by listeria in connection to recalled bags containing garden salad. Federal health officials said the outbreak was linked to Dole packaged salads, which are sold under 11 brands including Kroger, Nature’s Promise and Dole.
Dole Fresh Vegetables recalled salad products in 10 states following a positive test for listeria monocytogenes. This organism can cause serious, potentially fatal infections. Since then, additional products containing contaminated iceberg lettuce have been recalled by the company.
Recalled salad products from Dole’s Springfield plant, Ohio were distributed in Alabama and Colorado. According to a January notice by the Food and Drug Administration, all had a best-if used-by date of December 22, 2021 and January 9, 2022.
Recalled salad products were remanufactured from another facility in Soledad (California), and sold in Alabama, Arizona. All products had a best-if used-by date of December 23, 2021 to January 8, 2022.
The company also recalls packaged salads from Yuma, Arizona and Bessemer City in North Carolina due to listeria concerns.
Another listeria outbreak is being investigated by the CDC. It is linked to recalled Fresh Express packaged salads. In this separate outbreak, the agency reported 10 hospitalizations as well as one death.
Listeria is a serious infection that can be caused by eating contaminated foods. It affects approximately 1,600 Americans each year and kills about 260, according to the CDC.
