Nearly 100,000 Pounds of Packaged Salads Recalled for Potential E. Coli Contamination

Missa Bay has recalled 97,272 pounds of packaged salads that were shipped to 22 states and sold by large retailers such as Aldi and Sam’s Club. According to Consumer Reports, the romaine lettuce in these salad kits and bowls may be contaminated with E. coli. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously announced that 17 people in eight states have been sickened by the bacteria. Ready Pac Bistro Chicken Caesar Salad, a packaged salad kit sold at Sam’s Club, has been identified as a possible cause of the illnesses in Maryland.

More Romaine Lettuce Recalls Anticipated

Missa Bay is a subsidiary of Ready Pac Foods. The recall involves the Bistro Chicken Caesar salad as well as 37 other types sold under a number of brand names. The products all carry a “Best By” dates of 10/29/19 through 11/1/19. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it expects the number of recalled products to increase. All the recalled salad kits include meat or poultry, but the romaine lettuce is the suspected contaminated ingredient.

Public health officials say this could just be the beginning of a larger outbreak related to romaine lettuce. They are expecting more recalls because officials have stated that since lettuce from many farms is processed together, contaminated romaine from one farm could end up affecting a large amount of lettuce. The FDA has identified farms to investigate in Salinas, Calif., where the majority of romaine lettuce is sold and grown. Together, California and Arizona ship 30 million servings of romaine lettuce a day, year-round.

E. Coli Symptoms and Precautions

If you still have any of the recalled salads in your refrigerator, please do not eat them. Either discard them or return them to the point of purchase. The most common symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. About 5 to 10 % of those infected with E. coli may develop a condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS, which could affect the blood vessels and lead to kidney failure or even death.

If you are experiencing any food poisoning symptoms, it is best to get prompt medical attention. Report your illness to the local health agency, which tracks these types of outbreaks. Contact an experienced food poisoning lawyer who can help you better understand your legal rights and options.

Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/packaged-salad-recalled-due-to-e-coli-concerns/