Listeria Outbreak Linked to Packaged Salads Produced by Fresh Express

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Posted March 8, 2022

This outbreak is over. Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks to avoid getting sick from eating contaminated food.

Fast Facts
  • Illnesses: 10
  • Hospitalizations: 10
  • Deaths: 1
  • States: 8
  • Recall: Yes
  • Investigation status: Closed
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What You Should Do

Prevent Listeria

  • Find out if you are at higher risk for getting sick with Listeria
  • Learn which foods are more likely to contain Listeria, and take steps to prevent getting sick
  • Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks to avoid getting sick from eating contaminated food

Prepare Leafy Greens Safely

Vegetables, including leafy greens, are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. However, they can sometimes be contaminated with harmful germs.

The safest produce is cooked; the next safest is washed. However, no washing method can remove all germs.

When eating raw leafy greens:

  • Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces before and after preparing leafy greens.
  • Clean leafy greens before eating or cutting them.
    • Discard outer leaves on whole heads of lettuce and any torn or bruised leaves.
    • Rinse under running water and use your hands to gently rub the surface of the leaves.
    • Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
    • If the label on a leafy greens package says “ready to eat,” “triple washed,” or “no washing necessary,” you don’t need to wash the greens.
  • Separate leafy greens from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
  • Refrigerate leafy greens within 2 hours. Refrigerate within 1 hour if they have been exposed to temperatures above 90°F (such as a hot car or picnic).