Dole Fresh Vegetables recalls salad kits over Listeria concerns

In a proactive response to potential health risks, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of a select number of salad kits. This recall comes in the wake of concerns over the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria capable of causing serious health issues. The recalled salad kits were processed on the same line as a cheese product by Rizo-Lopez Foods, which itself has been recalled due to Listeria concerns.

The recall encompasses a variety of Dole-branded and private label salad kits, including products under the Dole, President’s Choice, and Marketside brands. These items have been distributed across numerous states in the U.S. and several Canadian provinces. Consumers in possession of these products are urged to immediately discard them, underlining the company’s commitment to consumer safety. The affected lot codes and product descriptions are detailed by Dole, facilitating identification of the recalled items.

Listeria monocytogenes poses a significant health risk, especially to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may experience temporary symptoms, but the organism can lead to severe complications, including miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. This recall is a precautionary measure to prevent potential cross-contamination from the implicated cheese, despite no illnesses being reported in relation to Dole’s products to date.

The recalled salads were available in a wide range of U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with Dole advising retailers to remove these products from shelves and inventory. The company is working closely with regulatory officials to ensure the recall is efficiently managed and to mitigate any potential impact on consumers.

Dole Fresh Vegetables’ decision to voluntarily recall the affected salad kits reflects the company’s dedication to maintaining high safety standards and its transparent approach to addressing potential food safety issues. By taking swift action, Dole aims to safeguard consumer health and uphold its reputation for quality and reliability.