The CDC updated the information about the outbreak investigation of Listeria monocytogenes in Dole packaged salad (December 2021)

According to the CDC, as of February 1, 2022, 17 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, and WI). There were 17 illnesses, 13 hospitalizations, and two deaths associated with this outbreak. Illnesses started from August 16, 2014, to December 30, 2021. CDC investigated outbreaks in 2019 and 2020 but could not gather enough data to identify the source in the past. CDC reopened the investigation in November 2021 after reports of new illnesses. On December 22, 2021, Dole voluntarily recalled all products and brands from their Bessemer City, NC, and Yuma, AZ facilities. On January 7, 2022, Dole issued a voluntary recall of additional products after Dole detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on equipment used in harvesting the raw iceberg lettuce also used in finished products processed in the Dole Springfield, OH, and Soledad, CA, facilities. Results from FDA’s WGS analysis showed that the strain of Listeria monocytogenes found on the harvesting equipment matches the strain causing illnesses in this outbreak. In addition to this outbreak of listeriosis linked to packaged salads produced by Dole, FDA and CDC are currently investigating a separate Listeria outbreak linked to packaged salads produced by Fresh. Express. All recalled products are now past their “Best if Used By” dates of November 30, 2021, to January 9, 2022. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-dole-packaged-salad-december-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery