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Tanimura & Antle (located in Salinas, California) has announced a voluntary recall of various romaine lettuce products following a finding of Salmonella in a random sampe taken by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. Immediately after being informed of the positive test result, the company initiated comprehensive trace-back efforts, and was able to contact all customers within hours. Those buyers have been told to destroy the lettuce.

The recalled lettuce, which had been distributed to retail, foodservice and wholesale customers in 29 states, was harvested between June 25 and July 2, 2009. The specific products affected by the recall include cartons of bulk and wrapped lettuce with a lot code 531380. Click here to view a copy of the Company Press Release.

According to Tanimura & Antle, the affected products were distributed to the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Chief executive officer Rick Antle stated that Tanimura & Antle practices strict food safety guidelines. Additionally, despite the lettuce being past its shelf life, he cited an "abundance of caution" in issuing the recall. "We will continue to review opportunities for improvement," Antle said. “Although the recalled product is well beyond the 14-16 day shelf life, we are voluntarily issuing this recall because we want to ensure that we minimize even the slightest risk to public health.”

To date, there have been no reports of illness associated with the lettuce. Moving forward, the company also stated that it will continue to update its website with more information. Consumers with questions, or who need information, may call Tanimura & Antle at 1-877-827-7388.

AUGUST 3, 2009 UPDATE:

On August 3, 2009, Tanimura & Antle expanded the geographic scope of its original recall to include product distributed to all 50 states.  Although the volume of cases from the single recalled lot (which is identified above) has not changed, the company recognizesd the possibility that some customers may have distributed the romaine in states beyond the original 29 -- thus, prompting the expansion. Click on the following link to view a copy of the Updated Recall Release.

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Chang Farms (of Whatley, Massachusetts) has announced a voluntary recall of select Soy Bean Sprouts following the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes during FDA product testing.

The affected products were labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as “Soy Sprouts,” and have a “Sell By” date of July 17, 2009. The soy bean sprouts, packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), were distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. To date, no illnesses have been associated with the consumption of these products. Click on the following link to view a copy of the FDA Recall Release.

According to the FDA, retail stores and wholesalers who have received these products should remove them from shelves. In turn, consumers are being instructed to either discard any affected products, or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

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Chang Farm, a Massachusetts company, has issued a voluntary recall of various bean and soy sprouts because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The sprouts were distributed to restaurants and retail stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. Click on the following link to view the FDA Recall Notice.

According to the FDA, the contamination was discovered after a product sample (obtained from a retail store in New York) tested positive for Listeria. To date, no illnesses have been associated with the recalled sprouts.

The affected products, labeled as Chang Farm Brand soy sprouts and bean sprouts, are packaged in 10-pound bags (bulk) and 12-ounce plastic bags (retail). The soy sprouts have a “Sell By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009, and the bean sprouts have a “Use By” date of May 23, 2009 or May 24, 2009.

All grocery stores, food services, and other retailers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey are being advised to remove the recalled products from their shelves. In turn, consumers should either discard the products, or return them to the place of purchase.

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