Listeria Risk Prompts Spinach Recall In VA

VIRGINIA — Spinach grown at a mid-Atlantic farm and distributed in Virginia has been recalled after a sample tested positive for listeria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

BrightFarms, which distributed the spinach under its namesake brand, has issued a voluntary recall of its spinach grown by supplier Element Farms at its Pompton Plains farm in New Jersey, the FDA said in a statement. A voluntary recall of a limited quantity of four salad kit products from BrightFarms’ Pennsylvania facility has also been issued.

The recalled products, which come in 3.5 oz plastic containers, were distributed to retailers in seven states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Best by dates for the recalled products range from Jan. 11 to 20.

The recall of spinach was prompted after routine sampling conducted by Element Farms yielded a positive result for listeria. So far, no illnesses caused by the tainted spinach have been reported, the FDA said.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune symptoms.

Short-term symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infections can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

Consumers with these symptoms of listeriosis should consult their health care provider.

As of Wednesday, the company has temporarily suspended distribution of Element Farms grown spinach. Stores have been instructed to toss all recalled products from shelves, and consumers should do the same.

To get a refund or more information, present a photo of the product or receipt to the site of purchase for a full refund and then discard.

Questions may be directed to BrightFarms by calling 1-866-857-8745 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT or by emailing info@brightfarms.com with the subject line: Recall.