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                Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness

Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness

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                        Foodborne Pathogens Home
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          Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness
          Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Fresh Express Packaged Salad (December 2021)Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Fresh Express Packaged Salad (December 2021)
  
  					FDA’s investigation is complete. CDC declares outbreak over.
	
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    PrintThe FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of *Listeria monocytogenes* infections. According to the CDC, as of March 8, 2022, this outbreak has ended.

On December 20, 2021, Fresh Express voluntarily recalled certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois, facility.

Recommendation

On March 8, 2022, CDC announced this outbreak is over. The product is past expiration and should no longer be available to consumers. Therefore, there are no recommendations for consumers, retailers, or suppliers.

FDA recommends that anyone who received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. *Listeria*can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.


Product Images

Bagged Salad, Use By Date
Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Packaged Salad

Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Packaged Salad
Case Count

**People infected with the outbreak strain of *Listeria monocytogenes* by state of residence, as of March 8, 2022 (n=10)**

Case Count from CDC
Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 19, 2021
States with Cases: IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA
Useful Links

Food Safety Tips for Retailers and Consumers During an Outbreak
	Food Safety Resources for Produce Shippers and Carriers During a Foodborne Illness Outbreak
	Who to Contact
	What is *Listeria*?
	Fresh Express Recall Announcement
	CDC Food Safety Alert


Previous Updates

**February 21, 2022**

As a part of routine sampling, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) collected a product sample of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts salad mix with a Use-By-Date of December 8, 2021 for testing. The sample tested positive for *Listeria monocytogenes* and subsequent whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the *Listeria monocytogenes* present in the samples matches the strain that has caused illnesses in this outbreak.

In response to the sample results and the ongoing outbreak investigation, Fresh Express voluntarily ceased production at the Streamwood, IL, facility and initiated a recall of certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois facility. The recall includes all Use-By Dates of fresh salad items with product codes Z324 through Z350. Product codes are located on the front of the packages below the Use-By Date, as shown above. No other Fresh Express products are subject to recall. A **full list of recalled products** is available on FDA’s website.

FDA and CDC are currently investigating two separate *Listeria*outbreaks linked to packaged salad. This outbreak is linked to packaged salads produced by Fresh Express. The other outbreak is linked to packaged salads produced by Dole. These investigations are ongoing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Who to Contact

**Consumers who have symptoms**should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

To report a **complaint**or **adverse event**(illness or serious allergic reaction), you can

Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinatorif you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
	Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
	Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.Submit Questions/Get Assistance

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                                                                                  Content current as of:
      03/08/2022
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 Food & BeveragesTopic(s)
			  OutbreakOutbreaks of Foodborne Illness

          
                        Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
          Public Health Advisories from Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
          Food Safety Tips for Consumers & Retailers During an Outbreak of Foodborne Illness
          Food Safety Resources for Produce Shippers and Carriers During a Foodborne Illness Outbreak
          Outbreak Investigation Reports
          How to Report Seafood-Related Toxin and Scombrotoxin Fish Poisoning Illnesses
          About the CORE Network
          CORE Annual Reports
          CORE Publications


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