True Leaf Farms recalls chopped romaine over listeria concerns

True Leaf Farms has issued a voluntary recall of 90 cartons of chopped romaine because of the potential of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled product was shipped between Sept. 12 and 13 to an institutional foodservice distributor in Oregon who further distributed it to at least two additional states, Washington and Idaho. The romaine affected by this recall has a “use by date” of Sept. 29.

No illnesses related to this finding have been reported

The recalled bags of romaine were packed in True Leaf Farms cardboard cartons and distributed by Church Brothers LLC, and shipped between Sept. 12 and 13. All bags carry a “use by date” of 9/29/11. Produce affected by the recall was labeled as follows:

Two-pound bags, chopped romaine – Bag and box code B256-46438-8

Photos of the recalled product can be viewed at www.churchbrothers.com/recall. This recall includes only chopped romaine as described above.

FDA notified the company today that a sample taken as part of a random check from a single bag of chopped romaine tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. True Leaf Farms is working with FDA to inform consumers of this recall. In addition, the company is working with its foodservice distribution customers to ensure that other romaine products that may be implicated are pulled from the market.

“We are fully cooperating with the FDA, and we are contacting all of our customers to ensure prompt removal of any product potentially associated with the recall,” said Steve Church, True Leaf Farms. “We are committed to conducting this recall quickly and efficiently to reduce any risk to public health.”

Anyone who has in their possession the recalled romaine as described above should not consume it, and should either destroy it or call Church Brothers, LLC for product pickup.

Consumers with questions or who need information may call Church Brothers LLC, the sales agent for True Leaf Farms, at 800-799-9475, or may visit www.churchbrothers.com for updates.