FDA Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Packaged Salad That Has Caused One Death

The FDA and the CDC are currently investigating a massive, multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to packaged salad greens from the Fresh Express brand. As a result, Fresh Express has voluntarily recalled dozens of varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at its Streamwood, Ill. facility.

The recalled products were distributed through retailers in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, as well as distributors and retailers in Canada. In America, the items were distributed in the following states: Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. In Canada, the salads were distributed in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.

The recall includes all Use-By Dates of fresh salad items with product codes Z324 through Z350. These codes can be found on the front of the packages below the Use-By Date. No other Fresh Express products are subject to recall.

A partial list of recalled products is below. For the full list, click here.

• Bowl & Basket Baby Spinach 16 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 41190066360
• Bowl & Basket Spring Mix 16 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 41190066469
• Fresh Express 50/50 Mix 10 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279275062
• Fresh Express 50/50 Mix 5 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279271033
• Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix 6 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279251011
• Fresh Express American 11 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279241005
• Fresh Express America's Fresh 3 Color Deli Cole Slaw 14 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279123004
• Fresh Express America's Fresh 3 Color Deli Cole Slaw 24 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279127019
• Fresh Express America's Fresh Old Fashioned Cole Slaw 14 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279123011
• Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix 5 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279271224
• Fresh Express Baby Spinach 10 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279275048
• Fresh Express Baby Spinach 20 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279271262
• Fresh Express Baby Spinach 5 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279271002
• Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Kit 9.4 oz with a product code of Z324 through Z350, and a UPC code of 71279309194

To date, this outbreak has been associated with 10 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations and one death across the following states: Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

"The FDA, along with the CDC and our state and local partners, is working to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. To date, a positive sample of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts salad mix has been reported to match the outbreak strain," Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, said in a statement. "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."

According to Yiannas, a sample of Fresh Express pre-packaged romaine and sweet butter lettuce was collected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as part of their "routine sampling efforts." That sample later tested positive for Listeria, and matched the outbreak strain.

"We will continue to work with our partners and with Fresh Express to determine the source of this outbreak," Yiannas continued. "We remain committed to transparency and providing updates as we learn more during our continuing traceback investigation."

Consumers who have symptoms of a Listeria infection should contact their health care provider. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal ailments. The infection can lead to serious complications for pregnant women, the very young, the elderly, and the immune-compromised. Once diagnosed, Listeria can be treated with antibiotics.

Since Listeria is capable of surviving in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces, the FDA recommends that anyone who was or is in possession of any recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these items. A deep-clean can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

This latest Listeria outbreak comes just weeks after more than 234,000 pounds of cooked pork products were recalled due to a possible Listeria contamination.