A Listeria recall has prompted the temporary closure of a GardenFresh Foods plant in Milwaukee, the company announced over the weekend. About 100 employees have been reassigned as Garden Fresh works with state and federal investigators to find the source of contamination that has caused more than 50 tons of fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat, salads, dips and spreads.
Unlike other foodborne pathogens, Listeria can survive and even thrive at refrigerated temperatures. A spokeswoman for the company told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Garden Fresh was confident it could find the source of contamination and would not reopen the plant until they were certain the problem was solved.
The first recall was announced August 30. Since then, the list of recalled products has been expanded four times. The most recent recall expansion was announced November 7.
The salads have been sold under a variety of brand names including Garden-Fresh, Grandpa’s, Dairy Fresh, Weis, Finest Traditions, Martin’s, Our Own, Roundy’s Spoon River, Archer Farms, Market Pantry and D’Amico & Sons. They were sold at Target stores, grocery stores and convenience stores.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with these products. However, consumers who have purchased them should not eat them as Listeria can cause serious illness or death. Those most at risk for Listeria infection include children, seniors, pregnant women and others with compromised immune systems. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection can take as along as two months after exposure to develop. They include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. See a doctor if you have these symptoms.
