The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has Issued a Consumer Advisory Due to Potential Listeria Contamination in Some Fresh Express Lettuce Products.
A recent consumer advisory was issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), on December 17, 2021, regarding potential Listeria contamination. In their advisory, the MDARD stated that during a routine sampling of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts Romaine Lettuce Sweet Butter Lettuce a sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Out of concern for consumers, health department officials have been advised to refrain from consuming the potentially contaminated products until more information is known.
The MDARD has stated that no cases of listeria have been linked to the potentially contaminated Fresh Express Lettuce products in Michigan at this time. However, health officials have advised consumers to remain vigilant of the Fresh Express Sweet Hearts Romaine Lettuce Sweet Butter Lettuce products packaged in 9 oz. clear plastic bags with a green and red label and white lettering. No recall has been issued at this time but the potentially contaminated products can be distinguished by the lot code of “DEC 08 Z324B05A 16:04 07; Product of USA” located on the upper right corner of the front of the bag.
People who have consumed the potentially contaminated lettuce products and are experiencing symptoms of listeria are being urged to contact a primary health provider as soon as possible. If a consumer is in possession of the lettuce products with the affected lot number the MDARD advises them to dispose of them immediately. Monitoring young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems is advised as they may be prone to serious and sometimes fatal infections.
Symptoms of Listeriosis, an infection caused by listeria monocytogenes bacteria, normally include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Healthy individuals may experience a less severe form of listeria symptoms but for people with weakened immune symptoms, it can be life-threatening. Ron Simon, a National Listeria Lawyer, stated:
“Victims who have symptoms such as fever or stiff neck may consult a physician, and there are options in cases of suspected Listeriosis for blood or spinal fluid test. Many of those who do present with invasive listeriosis are already suffering other medical conditions, are elderly or very young, and in the cases of suspected meningitis, many will forgo the intrusive cerebral spinal tap in favor of administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics.”
For more information on the Fresh Express Sweet Hearts Romaine Lettuce Sweet Butter Lettuce Listeria contamination, you may reference the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development website. To contract the MPARD, call 1-800-292-3939.
https://www.michigan.gov/minewswire/0,4629,7-136–574207–rss,00.html
