Food Poisoning Health Center

Dole Recalls Bagged Salad Because of Listeria Risk

July 2, 2012 -- Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling 2,598 cases of "Dole Hearts of Romaine" bagged salad because of possible Listeria contamination.

The company is recalling salads that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. The salads were distributed in nine states across the East and Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. No illnesses have been reported in this recall.

This recall was issued after a sample of the Hearts of Romaine salad tested positive for Listeria in a random sample test conducted by the FDA. The affected product is coded 0540N165112A or B, with a use-by date of June 26 and UPC 7143000956. That is the only product code, UPC code, and use-by date included in this recall, and no other salads or Dole products are affected.

The product code and use-by date can be found in the upper right corner of the package, and the UPC code is on the back of the package below the barcode. Dole is working closely with regulatory officials on this recall.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a contaminated food, and primarily impacts pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea.

Consumers who have any remaining product with these product codes should throw it away. Retailers and consumers with questions may call the Dole Food Company Consumer Response Center at (800) 356-3111 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday.