Fresh Express recalls salad kits after positive Listeria test. 6 things you should know

Cheryl McCloud, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Updated ·2 min read

Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling three varieties of salad kits due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Two Fresh Express kits and a Publix brand salad kit produced at the company's Morrow, Georgia, facility were recalled "out of an abundance of caution."

The recalled products are no longer available for sale and no illnesses have been reported to date, according to the FDA.

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Three salad mixes have been recalled due to a concern for listeria contamination.
Three salad mixes have been recalled due to a concern for listeria contamination.

Here's what you need to know.

What salad kits were included in the recall?

Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of three varieties of already-expired branded and private label salad kit products produced at the company’s Morrow, Georgia facility out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.
Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of three varieties of already-expired branded and private label salad kit products produced at the company’s Morrow, Georgia facility out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.

Fresh Express Caesar chopped kit: 9.40 ounce bag. Product code G075. Use-by date: April 2. Distributed in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina.

Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of three varieties of already-expired branded and private label salad kit products produced at the company’s Morrow, Georgia facility out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.
Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of three varieties of already-expired branded and private label salad kit products produced at the company’s Morrow, Georgia facility out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.

Fresh Express chipped kit chipotle cheddar: 11.3 ounce bag. Product code G075. Use-by date: April 2. Distributed in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia.

Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of three varieties of already-expired branded and private label salad kit products produced at the company’s Morrow, Georgia facility out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.
Fresh Express Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of three varieties of already-expired branded and private label salad kit products produced at the company’s Morrow, Georgia facility out of an abundance of caution due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes.

Publix brand Makoto honey ginger salad kit: 8.75 ounce bag. Product code: G075. Use-by date: March 31. Distributed in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina.

Why were the Fresh Express salad kits recalled?

The recall was initiated when it was learned a random sample test of a salad kit collected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture came back with a positive result for the Listeria pathogen.

What should you do if you have a bag of the Fresh Express or Publix salad?

Retailers have been instructed to ensure the recalled products are removed from all inventories.

Consumers who might still have the recalled salad kits in their refrigerators should discard and not consume them.

Can you get a refund if you have one of the recalled salad kits?

To obtain a refund or for more information, consumers may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at 800-242-5472 between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Refunds are also available where purchased, according to the FDA.

How dangerous is Listeria?

Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of a Listeria infection?

What you should know about Listeria.
What you should know about Listeria.

For those who are pregnant:

  • Fever

  • Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue

For those who are not pregnant:

  • Fever

  • Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue

  • Headache

  • Stiff neck

  • Confusion

  • Loss of balance

  • Seizures

Listeriacan also cause an intestinal illness. This kind of illness is rarely diagnosed because laboratories do not regularly test patient stool samples for Listeria.

Symptoms of an intestinal illness:

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Fresh Express, Publix salad kits recalled for possible Listeria