Giant Eagle Iceberg Lettuce Recall Due to Listeria Contamination

Listeria contamination has been detected in bags of Giant Eagle’s Farmer’s Market shredded iceberg lettuce, resulting in a recall due to the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening food poisoning. 

The Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market lettuce recall was announced on October 12 by the FDA and the manufacturer, River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC.

Although there have been no reports of food poisoning associated with the recalled lettuce, random sampling by the FDA detected listeria monocytogenes in an eight ounce bag of shredded iceberg lettuce. That same batch of lettuce was used in prepared deli ring sandwiches in addition to individual bags.

The recall affects the following Giant Eagle products:

• Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market Shredded Iceberg Lettuce (UPC 3003430195)
• Giant Eagle Large Italian Sandwich Ring (UPC 23755100000)
• Giant Eagle Mini Italian Sandwich Ring (UPC 24755500000)
• Giant Eagle Large New York Sandwich Ring (UPC 22755100000)
• Giant Eagle Mini New York Sandwich Ring (UPC 25755500000)
• Giant Eagle Large All America Sandwich Ring (UPC 21755100000)
• Giant Eagle Mini All American Sandwich Ring (UPC 26755500000)

All of the affected items have a use by date of October 14, 2011.

Listeria illnesses pose a particular risk for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, illness from Listeria bacteria can cause miscarriages and still births.

Blood tests are usually required to diagnose listeriosis, which can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of listeriosis include muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, severe headaches and fever. If the bacteria spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream and nervous system, it could cause meningitis and other complications.

The company has removed the products from store shelves and placed a block on registers to prevent it from being sold. The company also called customers who bought the affected products with instructions on how to properly dispose of it. Consumers who have not disposed of the recalled lettuce products can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call (800) 474-4777.