US retail chain Publix Super Markets is voluntarily recalling 10-ounce plastic bags of Romaine lettuce as the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Fresh-cut produce company Ready Pac was the supplier of the private label product.
This recall was initiated after Publix received notification of the contamination from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a routine sample collection.
The product affected by the recall is 10-ounce plastic bags of Publix Hearts of Romaine (Chopped Hearts of Romaine). It bears the UPC number 41415 03886 on the back right-hand corner of the package.
The lettuce was distributed to Publix stores from 8 September 2012 to 20 September 2012 across Florida counties.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the hearts of romaine. Consumers who have purchased the products in question may return the product to their local store for a full refund
Consumption of products containing Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Currently Publix has 1,061 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. It reported sales of $27bn in 2011.
