January 22, 2016

Dole processing facility linked to listeria outbreak

Dole has stopped all production at its processing facility in Springfield, Ohio, after being linked to a listeria outbreak. Packaged salads produced at the processing facility are the likely source of the outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that no other Dole salprocessing facilities are related to the Listeria outbreak.

In addition, Dole has announced a voluntary recall of the products, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is voluntarily withdrawing from the market all Dole-branded and private label packaged salads processed at that location.

The CDC and FDA, along with public health officials from the six states in which the outbreak has been reported, have been working together to find the source of the outbreak. Recent lab results link the outbreak to packaged salads produced at the Dole processing facility and sold under various brands, according to the CDC.

The investigation began in September 2015, with listeria specimens being collected from July 5 to Dec. 23. Listeria isolates from Dole brand Field Greens packaged salad were tested with isolates from those affected with Listeria. Results showed they were highly related genetically, according to the CDC. The salads in the test were produced at the Springfield, Ohio Dole processing facility.

Since July 5, 2015, the CDC has reported 12 hospitalizations in six states. Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have reported one case each. Michigan and New York have each reported four cases, with one death in Michigan.

The agency is urging consumers to not eat packaged salads produced at the Springfield facility. The manufacturing codes on packaged salads produced at the facility have an “A” on the package. Brands affected include:

  • Dole
  • Fresh Selections
  • Simple Truth
  • Marketside
  • The Little Salad Bar
  • President’s Choice

If consumers have these products in their home, the CDC recommends to:

  • Throw away the packaged salad in a closed plastic bag in a sealed trash can
  • Wash the areas the packaged salads were stored, prepared or served on with hot water and soap
  • Wash hands with warm water and soap

For more information while the investigation continues, visit the CDC website and the agency’s online communication website, PulseNet.





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