Made Fresh Salads Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of all its Ready to Eat Deli Style Salads and cream cheeses due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe illness. The recall affects products distributed to retail stores and distributors across New York City.
The affected products were packaged in 30lb and 5lb white plastic tubs bearing Made Fresh Salads or Northside labels, or in half-size aluminum pans. The expiration dates on these products range from September 3 to September 18. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that some items may have been repackaged by retailers.
The recall was prompted by sample tests conducted by the FDA and the company, which revealed positive results for Listeria monocytogenes in some areas of the production facility. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall, Listeria infection can lead to serious health consequences, including organ failure, miscarriage, and stillbirth in severe cases.
Made Fresh Salads Inc. has halted production and distribution of the implicated products and is investigating the source of the contamination. Consumers who have purchased the recalled items are advised to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. The company can be reached at (718) 765-0082 between Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for further inquiries. A comprehensive list of recalled items is available on the FDA's website.
This marks the third recall for Made Fresh Salads Inc. within the past year. In October, the company recalled macaroni salad and tuna deluxe salad due to Listeria contamination found by New York State inspectors. Previously, in February, 14 cream cheese and tofu spread items were recalled after the company's own sampling detected Listeria on a mixer used in production. Both prior recalls were classified as Class I, indicating a high risk of serious adverse health consequences or death.
The current recall has not yet been classified by the FDA. Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is typically contracted through contaminated food. The bacteria can survive in refrigerated conditions and is often found in unpasteurized dairy products, ready-to-eat meals, and other foods. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions, and in rare instances, can spread to the nervous system, leading to fatalities. Approximately 250 Americans die from listeriosis annually.