Salmonella Outbreak in Midwest Linked to BrightFarms Salads
BrightFarms announced a voluntary recall on various packaged salad greens after becoming aware that eleven people fell ill after having purchased or consumed their salad products in June, 2021. Local and state health officials’ investigation and traceback information indicate that the salad produced on a farm in Rochelle, Illinois is likely the origin of the Salmonella contamination. Consequently, on July 15, 2021, out of an abundance of caution, BrightFarms issued a voluntary recall of its packaged salad greens produced in Rochelle, Illinois (Ogle County) greenhouse farm distributed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana. To date, there have been 11 cases of illness spanning across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, 2 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths attributed to this Salmonella Outbreak.
Salmonella infection can lead to serious illness in young children, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals who contract Salmonellosis may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea which typically lasts between 4-7 days.
The July 15, 2021 Recall states that the products of concern include the following BrightFarms packaged salads in clear plastic clamshells with the “best by” dates though 07/29/2021: BrightFarms NutrigreensTM (3 oz. package), BrightFarms Butter CrispTM (4 oz. Package), BrightFarms Harvest Crunch ® (4 oz. package), BrightFarms Mighty RomaineTM (4 oz. and 8 oz. package), BrightFarms 50/50 Spring & Spinach (4 oz. package), BrightFarms Spring Crunch (4 oz. package), BrightFarms Spring Mix (4 oz. and 8 oz. package), BrightFarms Sunny Crunch ® (4 oz. and 8 oz. package), 7/28/21 Update: BrightFarms Baby Spinach (4 oz. and 8 oz. package).
The recalled products were distributed to the following retailers in the following MidWestern states:
Illinois: Mariano’s Fresh Markets, Walmart (select stores), Strack Van Till, Sullivan’s Foods, Caputo’s, Jewel-Osco
Wisconsin: Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Copps, Tadych’s, Walmart (select stores)
Iowa: Walmart (select stores)
Indiana: Strack Van Till
Michigan: Tadych’s
On July 28, 2021, BrightFarms announced an expansion on the initial voluntary recall of packaged salad products due to potential Salmonella contamination. In addition to the above products, BrightFarms extended its recall to include the following packaged salad product with the “best by” dates through 07/26/2021: BrightFarms Baby Spinach (4 oz. and 8 oz. package).
BrightFarms wishes to assure consumers that they are diligently addressing the issue by “taking steps to enhance their already rigorous food safety protocols, including testing all products produced in its Rochelle facility for exposure to Salmonella prior to distribution”. For further information regarding this outbreak, you may visit the FDA’s website here.
