Buurma Farms Cilantro Recall Issued Due to Listeria Infection Risk

A recall has been issued for cilantro sold at Meijers and other grocery stores after random sampling confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, which could pose a serious and potentially life-threatening health risk for consumers, especially those with a weakened immune system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the cilantro recall on August 16, involving at least 465 boxes of cilantro from Buurma Farms, Inc.

Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cilantro, the action was taken after the Michigan Department of Agriculture identified the listeria contamination during random sample testing.

The recall includes all fresh cilantro sold in 4 ounce bunches with “USA Buurma Farms #4889” printed on a twist tie. The recalled bunches have UPC number 4889, Lot number 02D312A4, and GTIN: 0 33383 80104 9.

The affected cilantro was farmed by Buurma Farms Inc. of Willard, Ohio and distributed by Meijer and Ben B Schwatrz and Sons on August 3, and August 5 through the 9 to retail stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. In addition to various Meijer grocery stores, the cilantro was also sold at Coastal Produce, Johnny Pompdoro and Preferred Brands in Michigan.

After learning of the possible contamination Buurma Farms alerted all possible retailers and wholesalers to remove the produce from shelves and they would be notified further when the source of contamination was found. Consumers should stop eating the affected Cilantro immediately and return the product to the retailer or dispose of it.

Listeria infections pose a serious risk to young children and the elderly due to a weakened immune system. For pregnant women, listeriosis can pose a serious risk of miscarriages and still births. Listeriosis has become more prevalent and concerning than some of the more common contaminations such as Salmonella, simply because most people do not experience symptoms immediately.

For healthy individuals listeria symptoms consist of fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. Some people with weakened immune systems may develop more severe symptoms such as meningitis, mental changes, brain abscesses, or death.