Bagged Salad Recall Issued Due to Listeria Contamination

Listeria contamination has led to a nationwide recall of bagged salads produced by River Ranch Fresh Foods, which have been sold under a variety of labels. 

The bagged salad recall was announced last week by the FDA, after salads that made it all the way to the marketplace tested positive for listeria.

The recall affects bagged salads sold under the River Ranch label, as well as those sold under Hy Vee, Shurfresh and others. The salads were sold in both retail grocery stores and were also distributed throughout the foodservice industry.

The salad bags contain a “Best By” code date between 12MAY2012 and 29MAY2012, or Julian dates of 118 and 125. The date codes are typically located in the upper right corner of the bags. A full list of products affected by the recall has been provided on the FDA’s website.

Although there have been no food poisoning illnesses reported in connection to the recalled salad bags, listeria infections pose a particular risk for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, illness from bacteria, which is known as listeriosis, can cause miscarriages and still births.

Blood tests are usually required to diagnose listeriosis, which presents with symptoms of 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.

River Ranch advises consumers who have purchased affected products to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call River Ranch’s customer service center at (888) 624-2569.