Listeria-tainted shredded lettuce recalled (COMPLETE DETAILS)
(CBS) The highly publicized recall of Listeria-tainted cantaloupes had had the nation on edge in recent weeks. Now the deadly bacteria have prompted a recall of shredded lettuce.
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Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, Inc. recalled its shredded lettuce products after the FDA contacted the company following a positive test result, the company said in a written statement.
FDA officials contacted Giant Eagle once the Ohio Department of Agriculture picked up the Listeria monocytogenes during a random test, FDA spokesman Siobhan DeLancey told CBS News in an email.
"There are no illnesses associated with this recall," DeLancey told CBS News. "This finding is in no way related to the L. mono in cantaloupe."
The product that tested positive was an eight-ounce package of Giant Eagle Farmer's Market Shredded Iceberg Lettuce (UPC 3003430195). It's been recalled along with several deli sandwiches marketed under the Giant Eagle Brand:
- Large Italian Sandwich Ring (UPC 23755100000)
- Mini Italian Sandwich Ring (UPC 24755500000)
- Large New York Sandwich Ring (UPC 22755100000)
- Mini New York Sandwich Ring (UPC 25755500000)
- Large All America Sandwich Ring (UPC 21755100000)
- Mini All American Sandwich Ring (UPC 26755500000)
Giant Eagle removed all products from store shelves as part of the voluntary recall, and urged customers who purchased the products to dispose of it or return it to the store for a refund. Concerned customers can call 800-474-4777 with questions.
The ongoing Listeria outbreak from cantaloupes has already killed 23 people and sickened 116, CBS News reported.
Listeria generally sickens the elderly, pregnant women and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, often with other gastrointestinal symptoms. Unlike many pathogens, Listeria bacteria can grow at room temperatures and even refrigerator temperatures - and can linger long after the source of the contamination is gone.
The CDC has more on Listeria.
