Dole packaged salads recalled because of Listeria monocytogenes outbreak

The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Dole packaged leafy greens. As of December 22, 2021, 16 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 13 states (IA, ID, MD, MI, MN, NC, NV, OH, OR, PA, TX, UT, WI). Illnesses started from August 16, 2014, to October 17, 2021 (one case occurred in 2014, and the remaining cases occurred between 2018 and 2021). In October 2021, the Georgia Department of Agriculture collected a product sample that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. As a result, Dole initiated a recall in October 2021. WGS analysis in December 2021 showed that the Listeria monocytogenes in the product sample matched the outbreak strain. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also recently initiated retail sampling of Dole products. One product containing lettuce from the Dole facility in Yuma, AZ, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis showed that the Listeria monocytogenes in the product sample also match the outbreak strain. In response to the sample analyses and the ongoing outbreak investigation, Dole has agreed to voluntarily suspend operations at the Bessemer City, NC, facility and Yuma, AZ, facility and has voluntarily recalled all products and brands from those facilities.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-dole-packaged-salad-december-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery