Urgent Alert: Fresh Express Salad Kits Recalled Across 25 States Due to Listeria Risk

A widespread health alert has been issued for various Fresh Express brand salad kits, which are being recalled from shelves across 25 U.S. states. The recall stems from a serious concern: the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.

The affected products include a range of popular Fresh Express salad kits, each identified by specific best-before dates and product codes.

Consumers should immediately check their refrigerators for any Fresh Express salad kits with a best-before date from July 6, 2024, to July 10, 2024. Crucially, the product codes on these kits will begin with either "Z177" or "Z178." This vital information is typically found on the front of the packaging, near the best-before date.

The recall impacts a wide variety of salad types, including American, Caesar, Chipotle Cheddar, Italian, Southwest, Spinach, Veggie Lovers, and many more, making it imperative for all Fresh Express salad lovers to verify their purchases.

Listeria monocytogenes is not to be taken lightly.

It's an organism that can lead to listeriosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection. While healthy individuals might only experience short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, the risk is significantly higher for certain groups. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to severe and potentially life-threatening complications.

Furthermore, pregnant women face a unique and grave danger, as Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, even if the mother experiences only mild, flu-like symptoms.

The recall extends to a significant portion of the country, affecting states including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

This broad reach underscores the importance of public awareness and immediate action.

Consumers who have purchased any of the potentially contaminated Fresh Express salad kits are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should either discard the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Fresh Express has established a Consumer Response Center to assist customers with questions or concerns related to this recall. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with these specific products to date, the recall is a precautionary measure to safeguard public health, emphasizing the company's commitment to consumer safety and the critical role of swift action in preventing potential outbreaks.