There's a Major Recall of Salad Mixes Right Now

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, there’s been another recall. The good news is that all of these recalls are proof that the right systems are in place to detect recalls and alert consumers. The bad news is, this time, it affects Dole salad mixes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there is not one, but two, separate Listeria outbreaks linked to packaged salad mixes, one of which includes Dole and the other Fresh Express. So far, there have been 17 illnesses reported, 12 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 13 different states.

The packaged salad mixes were sold under multiple Dole branded and private labels including Ahold, Dole, Kroger, Lidl, Little Salad Bar, Marketside, Naturally Better, Nature’s Promise, and Simply Nature. The salads include mixed greens, garden salads, Caesar kits, and other types of salads packaged in bags and clamshells. The salads all have “best if used by” dates ranging from November 30th, 2021 through January 8th, 2022. The product lot code begins with the letter “N” or “Y,” which is listed in the upper right-hand corner of the package.

If you have any of the recalled salad mixes in your refrigerator, do not (I repeat, do not) eat them. Discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For pregnant people, symptoms of listeria include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. In severe cases, Listeria infection may cause premature birth or stillbirths. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.

Non-pregnant people may have a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches, says the CDC. Check your crisper and do some early spring cleaning, and maybe opt for soup tonight instead.

Were you affected by the latest salad recall? Let us know in the comments below!