Fresh Express Inc. is recalling three varieties of branded and private-label salad kit products produced at the company’s Morrow, GA, facility because of a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. 

The recalled products are no longer available for sale and no illnesses have been confirmed as of April 7, according to the company’s recall notice.

There is concern that some of the recalled products may be in consumers’ homes because they have best-by dates this week.

The recall was initiated when it was learned a random sample test of a single salad kit with a Use-By Date of March 31, 2023, collected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture yielded a positive result for the Listeria pathogen.

Recalled salad items all carry Product Code GO75 and Use-By Dates of March 31 or April 2 on the front of the packages. They were distributed through retailers in the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. 

“Retailers have been instructed to ensure the recalled products are removed from all inventories. Consumers who might still have the recalled products in their refrigerators should discard and not consume them,” according to the recall notice.

To obtain a refund or for more information, consumers may call the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center at 800-242-5472. Refunds are available wher purchased.

about Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.