Listeria scare prompts River Ranch salad recall expansion
River Ranch Fresh Foods, a company based in Salinas, California, has broadened the scope of its voluntary recall regarding bagged salads. Salad mixes involved in this recall were distributed throughout the United States and Canada, packaged in various sizes and brand names including River Ranch, Farm Stand, Hy-Vee, Shurfresh, Sysco, and The Farmer’s Market. Products affected by this recall include Three-Color Cole Slaw Mix, Complete Caesar Salad Kit, and European Blend bagged salad varieties. A best by date between May 12, 2012 and May 29, 2012 can be found in the upper right hand corner of the salad bags. The packages also may be marked with a Julian date code of 118 or 125. These salads may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria which could cause dangerous infections in young children, the elderly, and other groups with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women exposed to Listeria infection may suffer miscarriages and stillbirths, and healthy individuals may experience temporary symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The company is recommending that consumers return the affected products to their place of purchase for a full refund. This recall was issued in cooperation with a request from the United States Food and Drug Administration after routine product sample testing revealed the presence of Listeria in some varities of River Ranch mixed salad. Consumers seeking more information regarding this recall expansion can contact River Ranch’s customer service hotline, available 24 hours per day.
