Listeria leads to recall of 109,000 cases of refrigerated ready-to-eat salads
About 109,000 cases of refrigerated ready-to-eat foods distributed nationwide and in Canada have been recalled by Reser's Fine Foods because of concerns the products are contaminated with listeria bacteria.
Listeria is a bacteria that when consumed causes an infection that primarily strikes older adults, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems.
A listeria illness, or listeriosis, outbreak linked to cantaloupe produced by Jensen Farms in Colorado infected 147 people in 2011, killing 33 and causing a miscarriage.
Listeria bacteria is most commonly found on deli meats, soft cheeses and seafood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
No illnesses have been reported linked to this current recall.
Products include chicken, ham, potato, and macaroni salads, slaws and salsas under brand names including Cobble Street Market, Cross Valley Farms, Dillon's, Miller's, Target, 7-11, Reser's Fine Foods, Walmart and Yoder's. The recall totals about 23,000 pounds of food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Expiration dates range from 10/23/13 to 3/17/14 -- a full list of products and UPC codes can be found on Reser's website.
Reser's Fine Foods is based in Beaverton, Ore., but the products in question were manufactured at a Topeka, Kan. processing plant.
The problem was discovered through testing conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. A traceback investigation and follow-up testing by FDA at the facility determined there was potential cross contamination of products with listeria from product contact surfaces.
People who are concerned about illness after eating these products should contact their doctor.
