Urgent Recall: Salad Kits in 25 States Pulled Over Listeria Threat

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. has issued an urgent recall for a variety of its packaged salad kits sold under several popular brand names across 25 states. This critical action was prompted by the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe, even life-threatening, infections.

The affected products include salad kits sold under the brand names Dole, Fresh Selections, H-E-B, Marketside, and Taylor Farms.

Consumers should carefully check their refrigerators for any of these salad kits, as the potential health risks are significant. The recall impacts a wide geographical area, underscoring the importance of immediate attention from shoppers.

Listeria monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

While healthy individuals may only experience short-term symptoms, listeriosis poses a grave threat to vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and serious infections in newborns.

The company initiated this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution after an investigation revealed the potential for contamination.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with these specific recalled products to date, but the risk remains substantial.

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

For specific details on affected lot codes, expiration dates, and product UPCs, consumers can refer to the official recall notice or contact Dole Fresh Vegetables directly through their consumer helpline.

This recall serves as a vital reminder for consumers to stay vigilant about food safety and to heed all recall notices promptly to protect their health and the well-being of their families.