Listeria Outbreak Behind Spinach and Salad Kit Recalls

Bagged spinach sold under the BrightFarms brand is being recalled due to potential contamination with _Listeria monocytogenes_, according to a statement posted by the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA). The company issued the recall after routine testing by its supplier, Element Farms of New Jersey, yielded a positive result for listeria, a pathogen that can cause

severe illness and even death in older adults, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and infants. The company also recalled four salad kit products produced in its Pennsylvania

facility due to the risk of cross-contamination. To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with any of the products, and BrightFarms has temporarily suspended distribution of

spinach from Element Farms. The products were sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia at retailers including Stop & Shop and

Wegmans. Courtesy CDC THE RECALLED PRODUCTS The recalled spinach and salads were sold in clear, plastic containers. The best-by date, UPC and facility code can be found at the bottom of the

package. They are: * BRIGHTFARMS BABY SPINACH sold in 3.5-ounce packaging with UPC code 8-57062-00492-3, facility code PEN8, and best-by dates of 1/11, 1/13, 1/18 and 1/20. * BRIGHTFARMS

MEDITERRANEAN CRUNCH KITS sold in 6.35-ounce packaging with UPC code 8-50051-82501-1, facility code PEN4, and best-by dates of 1/15 and 1/20. * BRIGHTFARMS CHICKPEA CAESAR CRUNCH KIT sold in

6.50-ounce packaging, with UPC 8-57062-00415-2, facility code PEN4, and best-by dates of 1/15 and 1/20. * BRIGHTFARMS BACON RANCH CRUNCH KIT sold in 6.70-ounce packing, with UPC code

8-57062-00416-9, facility code PEN4 and a best-by date of 1/15. * BRIGHTFARMS SOUTHWEST CHIPOTLE sold in 5.85-ounce packaging, with a UPC 8-50051-82500-4, facility code PEN4 and a best-by

date of 1/15. You can obtain a refund by presenting a photo of the product or your receipt to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions, you can call BrightFarms at

866-857-8745 or email [email protected] with the subject line: Recall. SYMPTOMS OF A LISTERIA INFECTION Listeriosis, the infection stemming from consuming food contaminated with _Listeria

monocytogenes_ bacteria, poses a severe threat to people 65 and older, who are four times more likely to be infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms

associated with a listeria infection includes stiffness in the neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, fever, muscle aches and fatigue. Pregnant women usually experience only fever,

fatigue and muscle aches. However, listeriosis can lead to premature birth or pregnancy loss and can cause serious illness or death in newborns. Anyone who experiences symptoms of severe

listeria illness should call their health care provider. About 1,600 people in the U.S. get listeriosis each year, with an average of 260 deaths, the CDC estimates.