A Salinas farm is voluntarily recalling bags of chopped romaine lettuce because of possible contamination with listeria.
No illnesses have been reported. Although the lettuce was grown locally, the recall does not impact anyone here who may have purchased lettuce.
True Leaf Farms announced Thursday that it's recalling 90 cartons that were shipped to an Oregon food service distributor. From the distributor, it might have gone to at least two other states, Washington and Idaho.
The Food and Drug Administration notified the company that a sample taken as part of a random check tested positive for listeria.
“We are fully cooperating with the FDA, and we are contacting all of our customers to ensure prompt removal of any product potentially associated with the recall,” Steve Church of True Leaf Farms said. “We are committed to conducting this recall quickly and efficiently to reduce any risk to public health.”
The recall covers product with a "use by'' of Sept. 29. The bag and box code is B256-46438-8.
Listeria rarely shows up in produce, but an outbreak linked to cantaloupe from a Colorado farm has caused at least 72 illnesses, including up to 16 deaths, in 18 states.
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Experts said it generally only affect the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
Listeria is described as a hardy bacteria found in soil and water. It can be carried by animals. It is often found in processed meats because it can contaminate a processing facility and stay there for a long period of time. It is also common in unpasteurized cheeses and unpasteurized milk. It is less common in produce like cantaloupe, but there have been a couple of other listeria outbreaks in fruits and vegetables in recent years. When a person contracts the disease, it can cause fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms and even death. One in five people who have listeria can die.
Consumers with questions or who need information can call 1-800-799-9475, or go to www.churchbrothers.com.
