Fresh Express Announces Limited-in-Scope Recall of Expired 9 oz. Leafy Green Romaine Salad Due to Possible Health Risk

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 9 oz. Leafy Green Romaine Salad with the expired Use-by Date of September 16 as a precaution in an unlikely event that consumers may still have the expired salad in their refrigerators.  The recall was necessitated by a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes on a single package out of many samples collected for the U. S. Department of Agriculture random sample testing program.  

Because it is beyond the expiration date, the salad is no longer available for sale in stores. No illnesses are reported in association with the product recall.  No consumer complaints have been received about the salad.  No other Fresh Express products are being recalled.

The recall notification is being issued out of an abundance of caution in keeping with the company's commitment to protect the public health.

In an unlikely event consumers may still have this particular salad – now well beyond its Use-by Date and expected usability – in their refrigerators, they should not eat it and throw it out. Consumers with questions may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

            Recalled salad details are:

• Product: Fresh Express Leafy Green Romaine Salad in a 9 oz. package
• Use-by Date: September 16 (located in upper right hand corner of package)
• Product Code:  I246A5BMG (located in upper right hand corner of package)
• Distribution: Primarily Midwest and Eastern states of the U.S.

According to Fresh Express instructions and retail store procedures, expired salads are removed from store shelves.  

Fresh Express is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. 

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea.  If it spreads to the nervous system symptoms may include headache, stiff neck or confusion.  The illness primarily affects pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems.  Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

SOURCE Fresh Express Incorporated