BrightFarms Spinach and Salad Kits - recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Hunterstown, 17325 Pennsylvania, United States

BrightFarms has issued a voluntary 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 is also issuing a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of four salad kit products (shown below) from its Selinsgrove, PA facility. The recalled products were distributed to retailers in seven states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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.

Affected products:
Product: BrightFarms Baby Spinach, Ounce: 3.5oz, UPC Codes: 8-57062-00492-3, Facility Code: PEN8, Best-By Date: 1/11/2024,1/13/2024,1/18/2024,1/20/2024
Product: BrightFarms Mediterranean Crunch Kit, Ounce: 6.35oz, UPC Codes: 8-50051-82501-1, Facility Code: PEN4, Best-By Date: 1/15/2024,1/20/2024
Product: BrightFarms Chickpea Caesar Crunch Kit, Ounce: 6.50oz, UPC Codes: 8-57062-00415-2, Facility Code: PEN4, Best-By Date: 1/15/2024,1/20/2024
Product: BrightFarms Bacon Ranch Crunch Kit, Ounce: 6.70oz, UPC Codes:8-57062-00416-9, Facility Code: PEN4, Best-By Date: 1/15/2024
Product: BrightFarms Southwest Chipotle, Ounce: 5.85oz, UPC Codes: 8-50051-82500-4, Facility Code: PEN4, Best-By Date: 1/15/2024

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.

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

The recall of spinach 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 is also recalling a limited quantity of four select salad kit products. No positive test results or reported illness have been received on those products, to date.

In case you are experiencing Listeria monocytogenes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Company name: BrightFarms
Brand name: BrightFarms
Product recalled: Spinach and Salad Kits
Reason of the recall: Potential Foodborne Illness-Listeria monocytogenes
FDA Recall date: January 17, 2024

Source: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/brightfarms-recalls-spinach-and-salad-kits-because-possible-health-risk-result-supplier-element