Officials link Revolution Farms lettuces to Listeria outbreak; recall expanded

A Michigan producer has expanded a lettuce recall because its products have been linked to an ongoing multi-state outbreak of infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall by Revolution Farms LLC of Caledonia, MI, now includes whole-head lettuce in addition to packaged salad greens. There is concern that consumers may have the products in their homes because some of them have best-by dates for this week.

“The recall was initiated when the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) received a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test of a package of Revolution Farms Green Sweet Crisp 5 oz. Retail with Best By date of April 2, 2023.

“The recall was voluntarily expanded on April 6, 2023, when the recalled product was epidemiologically linked with a multi-state outbreak of Listeriosis. The investigation is ongoing. If you think you may have become ill from something you ate, seek immediate medical attention,” states the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall notice does not say how many people have been confirmed sick or where they live. The outbreak investigation is ongoing and includes state and federal investigators.

The initial recall announced on April 5 only included specific products with certain date codes. Now the recall covers all Revolution Farms products with all dates.

The recalled products were sold in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. Stores receiving the recalled salad mixes included SpartanNash stores, Meijer stores, Bridge St. Market, Kingma’s Market, Fresh Thyme Market Grand Rapids, Fresh Thyme Market Kalamazoo, Horrocks Market Grand Rapids, Doorganics, Cherry Capital Foods, Gordon Food Service, Van Eerden Foodservice, Vine Line Produce, Luna restaurant, Russ’ Commissary, and Pearson Foods Corporation.

Pictures to assist customers in identifying the recalled products can be found here.

The recalled products can be identified by looking for the following label information.

As of late afternoon today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had not posted any information about the Listeria outbreak traced to the Revolution Farms products.

Retail whole-head packages are a clear, plastic clamshell with a front label; 5-ounce retail packages are clear, plastic trays sealed with printed lidding film; 6-ounce salad kits are clear plastic tubs with a wrap label; 3-pound bulk packages are clear, plastic bags packed one bag to a case; food service whole head packages are cardboard boxes with a clear poly liner.

“Retailers have been instructed to remove all recalled products from store shelves. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discard them or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund,” according to the recall notice.

Consumers with questions can call Revolution Farms LLC at 616-965-6802 or email info@revolutionfarms.com with the subject line: Recall.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalledproduct and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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