ORLANDO, FLA. – Fresh Express, a business unit of Chiquita, is recalling salad kits linked to an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes and ceased production at its plant in Streamwood, Ill.
Ten people infected with the outbreak strain have been reported in eight states, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The outbreak also has been associated with 10 hospitalizations and one death.
“A sample of Fresh Express prepackaged romaine and sweet butter lettuce was collected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as part of their routine sampling efforts,” said Frank Yiannas, deputy commissioner for food policy and response at the FDA. “The sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and was a match to the outbreak strain.
“Given this, Fresh Express voluntarily ceased production at their Streamwood, Ill., facility and initiated a recall of certain varieties of its branded and private label salads produced in that facility.”
States connected to the outbreak include Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Products produced at the Streamwood plant were distributed in the Midwest, Northeast and Canada. Brands associated with the recall include Fresh Express, Giant Eagle, Little Salad Bar, Market District, Marketside, O Organics, Signature Farms, Simply Nature, Weis Fresh and Wellsley Farms.