DENVER (KDVR) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating two separate listeria outbreaks across 18 states involving Fresh Express and Dole packaged salads, which go by a number of brand names.
In the Fresh Express outbreak, 10 people from eight states have come down with the strain of listeria, and all 10 of them were hospitalized. One death from the outbreak has been reported.
It should be mentioned no recent listeria outbreak cases have been reported in Colorado at this time, but the CDC said “this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.”
The CDC said the actual number of sick people is likely higher than reported.
Packaged salad brands impacted
According to interviews with those infected, Fresh Express packaged salads are the suspected origin of this listeria outbreak. On Monday, Fresh Express announced an official recall of several packaged salad products.
The salad brands include:
- Fresh Express
- Bowl & Basket
- Giant Eagle
- Little Salad Bar
- Marketside
- O Organics
- Signature Farms
- Simply Nature
- Weis Fresh from the Field
- Wellsley Farms Organic
The Dole packaged salad outbreak is slightly more widespread, with 16 people infected across 13 states. Twelve people have been hospitalized and two deaths have been reported.
Investigators located the outbreak strain in two packaged salads distributed by Dole. On Wednesday, Dole officially recalled several brands of packaged salads.
The salad brands include:
- Ahold
- Dole
- Kroger
- Lidl
- Little Salad Bar
- Marketside
- Naturally Better
- Nature’s Promise
- Simply Nature
Dole is also recalling packaged salads with the “best used by” dates from 11/30/21 through 01/08/22.
The CDC advises anyone with these packaged salads to throw them out, or return them to the store of purchase. The CDC has provided a five-step process for cleaning and disinfecting your fridge in lieu of listeria outbreaks.
Symptoms of listeria infection include headache, confusion, loss of balance, fever and body aches. Pregnant women should be especially cautious, due to the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.