3 replies to this topic

[Freetobeme]

I don't know if any of you use the pre-packaged salads, but if you do you need to read this.
http://www.azcentral.com/health/news/artic...rning03-ON.html

FDA warns certain Dole salads linked to E. coli outbreak
Associated Press
Oct. 3, 2005 08:45 AM

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration is warning people not to eat certain Dole pre-packaged salads that have been connected to an outbreak of E. coli infections in Minnesota.

The illnesses have all been associated with Dole salads bought at Rainbow Foods grocery store outlets in the state. But salads carrying the same production codes have been distributed nationwide, prompting the national warning, the FDA said.

At least 11 people have been sickened by a specific type of E. coli that have been connected to the products. Two have been hospitalized. The last reported case connected to the outbreak was reported Sept. 19, the FDA said.

"Given the severity of this illness, FDA believes an urgent warning to consumers is needed. FDA is working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our state partners to further identify the source of the problem and its scope," said Dr. Robert Brackett, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, in a statement.

The affected Dole products are:

• Classic Romaine, with a "best-if-used-by (BIUB)" date of Sept. 23, 2005 and a production code beginning with "B250."

• American Blend, with a "best-if-used-by (BIUB)" date of Sept. 23, 2005 and a production code beginning with "B250."

• Greener Selection, with a "best-if-used-by (BIUB)" date of Sept. 22, 2005, and a production code beginning with "B250."

The "best-if-used-by" code date is one the upper right hand corner of the front of the bag. Stores probably aren't carrying these salads on their shelves any more, but people may still have some at home. They should be thrown away, the FDA said.

The particular type of E. coli connected to the salads is known as O157:H7. An infection can cause bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Most healthy adults recover within a week, but children under 5 and the elderly are at risk for complications that can lead to kidney damage or death.

Dole Food Co. has issued a recall for the affected salad products, the FDA said.

On the net:

FDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

[Homesteader]

Yuck. It's too bad the salads should have all been eaten by the time the recall is issued. The use by dates were all for Sept.22-23 which was 8-10 days before the recall.

I read somewhere that these pre-packaged/washed salads should be washed anyway. The lettuce is only as clean as the water used to rinse the salad.

Thanks for the link!

[Freetobeme]

Unfortunately, you can still get sick even if you rinse the stuff. Much of the problems come from produce imported from south of the border where contaminated water for irrigation is the norm rather than the exception.

[logcabinmama]

I have used a lot of the salad mix, but not for some time now. The boys don't care for the cabbage in their salad, so I use just the head lettuce now.