Kroger Recalls Kale For Possible Listeria Contamination

GEORGIA — Kroger grocery stores are recalling their branded 16-ounce bagged kale.

The grocery chain warns that the item, produced by Baker Farms, may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

In an announcement released Thursday, grocery officials say the Kroger branded kale was distributed from stores in its Atlanta, Nashville and Columbus (Ohio) divisions, which serve Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, eastern West Virginia, Columbus and Toledo, Ohio, and Knoxville.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious infections and sometimes even death in very young children, seniors and others with weakened immune systems, according to the warning from Kroger. Even healthy individuals can experience short-term symptoms including nausea, high fevers, stiffness, headaches, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

As of the announcement Thursday afternoon, Kroger was not reporting any sickness related to consumption of the kale product.

Store officials say the voluntary recall includes all 16-ounce bags of the Kroger branded kale with the UPC 11110-18170 and a best by date of 09-18-2021, which is printed on the front of the package below the light blue bar.

Stores pulled all affected products from their shelves on Thursday, Sept. 16, officials said.

The grocer urges customers who have purchased the product to either dispose of it or return it to the store for a full refund.

Customers who have questions may contact Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.