K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following health alert is from the FDA on November 16, 2011.

Ready Pac Foods, Inc. of Irwindale, CA is recalling a total of 5,379 cases of bagged salad products containing Romaine lettuce, as listed below, with the Use-by Date of November 18, 2011 because they may be contaminated with E. coli (E.coli O157:H7). E.coli O157:H7 is an organism that may cause diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. The recall extends only to the listed products with this Use-by Date and sold in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. No other Ready Pac Foods, Inc. products are included in the recall.

• 10oz. Ready Pac Bella Romaine 0-77745-21407-8 NOV 18
• 10oz. Raley’s Caesar Romaine 0-46567-71642-8 NOV 18
• 10oz. Trader Joe’s Romaine Salad 0013-2145 NOV 18
• 16oz. Trader Joe’s Very American Salad 0020-7225 NOV 18
• 9oz. Safeway Farms Hearts of Romaine 0-21130-98358-2 NOV 18

The voluntary recall was initiated based on a single positive random sample result for E.coli O157:H7 reported to Ready Pac by the FDA. Because it is still possible that products bearing the Use-by Date of November 18, 2011 could be on store shelves, this recall extends to retailers as well as consumers.
Instructions for Consumers: Check your refrigerator for the above listed products with the Use-by Date of November 18, 2011. The Use-by Date can be found in the upper left hand corner of the package with the UPC numbers located on the back side of the bag.
Consumers who may have purchased the affected product are asked to record the Use-by Date and UPC number, immediately dispose of the product, and contact the Ready Pac Consumer Affairs representative, toll-free at (800) 800-7822, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) to obtain a full refund.