Selinsgrove, PA-based BrightFarms has announced the recall of spinach grown by its supplier Element Farms in their Pompton Plains, New Jersey farm and distributed under the BrightFarms brand because the spinach has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Due to potential cross-contamination, BrightFarms also recalls a limited quantity of four salad kit products from its Selinsgrove, PA, facility.

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

Also, anyone who has eaten 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.

The recalled products were distributed to retailers in seven states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The products come in 4-oz, clear plastic containers. Information about the “best by” date, UPC, and facility code can be found at the bottom of the package. Pictures to assist customers in identifying the recalled products are found at the end of this announcement.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The spinach recall was initiated after routine sampling conducted by Element Farms yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. Due to potential cross-contamination at BrightFarms’s Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania facility, BrightFarms recalls a limited quantity of four selec salad kit products. No positive test results or reported illness have been received on those products.

As a result of today’s recall, the company has temporarily suspended the distribution of Element Farms-grown spinach.

Retailers have been instructed to remove all recalled products from store shelves. Consumers who have purchased the affected products should not consume the products and discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then discard them.