Public health officials are warning people not to eat certain bagged salads manufactured by River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no illnesses have been reported.
River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC, of Salinas, California, initiated the voluntary recall of bagged salads after routine sampling detected Listeria monocytogenes in two packages of shredded iceberg lettuce purchased from retail locations in California and Colorado. The recalled salad products were distributed nationwide to retail and foodservice outlets under various sizes and packaged under the brand names of River Ranch, Farm Stand, Hy-Vee, Marketside, Shurfresh, The Farmer’s Market, Cross Valley, Fresh n Easy, Promark, and Sysco.
A complete list of recalled products, associated lot codes, and use by dates can be found here.
While the bagged salads identified above are no longer being sold, CDPH is concerned that consumers may still have some of the recalled products in their homes. Consumers in possession of this recalled lettuce should discard it or return it to the store of purchase for a refund.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The very young, the pregnant, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to infection. People experiencing these symptoms after consuming the affected products should seek immediate medical attention.
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The Monterey County Health Department releases notices of recalls and market withdrawal from the firms involved as a service to Monterey County residents, the media and other interested parties. The Health Department does not endorse either the product or the company.
