According to the FDA, Fresh Express has voluntarily recalled a number of its Fresh Express Spinach, 8-ounce size, along with a number of Publix Spinach, 9-ounce size, because the products may contain a trace of Listeria monocytogenes.
While healthy individuals infected with Listeria may only experience short-lived symptoms like “high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,” a Listeria infection has been known to turn serious and sometimes fatal in those with weakened immune systems, including young children and elderly people. Pregnant women with a Listeria infection may also suffer miscarriages and stillbirths. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms (listeriosis) is advised to seek medical attention.
Recalled by Fresh Express on December 15, 2023, the two spinach products were distributed and made available for purchase at multiple retailers across seven U.S. states: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The affected products–along with their UPC, Bag Code, Use-By Date, and Distribution States–are as follows:
- Fresh Express Spinach, 8 oz.
- UPC: 0 71279 13204 4
- Bag Code: G332
- Use-By Date: Dec 15, 2023
- Distribution States: AL, FL, GA, NC, VA
- Publix Spinach, 9 oz.
- UPC: 0 41415 00886 1
- Bag Code: G332
- Use-By Date: Dec 14, 2023
- Distribution States: AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA
As indicated by product photos included in the FDA announcement, product codes can be found on the front of each package, printed just below the use-by date. Consumers should note that only products under the above codes are covered by the recall.
The company was first made aware of the problem after a single package of spinach, selected at random, was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine sampling carried out by the Florida Department of Agriculture. Following the discovery, all relevant retail partners were immediately alerted and instructed to remove the affected products off of store shelves and out of inventories.
While Fresh Express has not been notified of any illnesses or adverse events associated with the recall, anyone who may still be in possession of an affected product is asked to refrain from consuming it and discard it. The item may be brought back to the point of purchase for a complete refund.
Those seeking other methods of obtaining a refund, or further information about the recall, are invited to call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at (800) 242-5472 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
TruLaw’s seasoned attorneys are personally motivated in advocating for families like yours. If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse health outcome that can be traced to a Listeria contamination in a consumer packaged food product, your family deserves fair compensation. To learn more about how we can support you in the legal process, connect with us online or take our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠ today.