BrightFarms has voluntarily recalled a limited number of four different salad kit products from its Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania facility due to concerns that they might contain traces of Listeria monocytogenes. The action comes after its supplier, Element Farms, of Pompton Plains, New Jersey, was found to be potentially contaminated with the organism.
While healthy people may only experienced short-lived symptoms like “high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea,” pregnant women infected with Listeria may suffer miscarriage miscarriages or stillbirths. In those with weakened immune systems, such as young children or elderly individuals, the infection could turn serious and sometimes fatal.
Initiated by BrightFarms on January 17, 2024, the now-recalled salad kits were made available for purchase at retail outlets across seven U.S. states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
As shown in the product photos included in the FDA announcement, the kits come packaged in 4-ounce, clear plastic containers with a “best by” date, UPC, and facility code printed at the bottom.
The following salad kit varieties are impacted:
- BrightFarms Baby Spinach, 3.5oz
- UPC Code 8-57062-00492-3, Facility Code PEN8
- Best-By Dates: 1/11/2024,1/13/2024,1/18/2024,1/20/2024
- Mediterranean, 6.35oz
- UPC Code 8-50051-82501-1, Facility Code PEN4
- Best-By Dates: 1/15/2024,1/20/2024
- Chickpea Caesar, 6.50oz
- UPC Code: 8-57062-00415-2, Facility Code PEN4
- Best-By Dates: 1/15/2024,1/20/2024
- Bacon Ranch, 6.70oz
- UPC Code: 8-57062-00416-9, Facility Code PEN4
- Best-By Date: 1/15/2024
- Southwest, 5.8oz
- UPC Code: 8-50051-82500-4, Facility Code PEN4
- Best-By Date 1/15/2024
Officials say routine sampling taken by Element Farms revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, and concerns about possible cross-contamination at the Selinsgrove facility prompted BrightFarms to recall a select number of four salad kit products.
As of this writing, no related illnesses have been reported, and no positive test results on those salad kits have been recorded, but all distribution of the spinach grown by Element Farms was temporarily suspended by the company.
BrightFarms have since instructed its retail partners to remove all affected products from shelves. Anyone who may have purchased one of the above products is urged not to consume the item. Customers may either dispose of the item or obtain a full refund by presenting a photo of the product, or a receipt, to the point of purchase.
Further questions may be directed to the company at 1-866-857-8745 anytime between 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or via email at info@brightfarms.com using the subject line: Recall.
Have you fallen ill or suffered an adverse health outcome that can be traced to a Listeria monocytogenes contamination in a packaged food product? Our compassionate attorneys at TruLaw are experienced in helping people like you hold negligent parties accountable and pursuing their rightful compensation. Connect with us online or take our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠to learn more.