Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Fresh Express Packaged Salad (December 2021)
FDA’s investigation is complete. CDC declares outbreak over.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. According to the CDC, as of March 8, 2022, this outbreak has ended.
On December 20, 2021, Fresh Express voluntarily recalled certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois, facility.
Recommendation
On March 8, 2022, CDC announced this outbreak is over. The product is past expiration and should no longer be available to consumers. Therefore, there are no recommendations for consumers, retailers, or suppliers.
FDA recommends that anyone who received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.
Product Images
Map of U.S. Distribution of Recalled Packaged Salad
Case Count
People infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes by state of residence, as of March 8, 2022 (n=10)
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 1
Last Illness Onset: October 19, 2021
States with Cases: IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA
Previous Updates
February 21, 2022
As a part of routine sampling, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) collected a product sample of Fresh Express Sweet Hearts salad mix with a Use-By-Date of December 8, 2021 for testing. The sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and subsequent whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis determined that the Listeria monocytogenes present in the samples matches the strain that has caused illnesses in this outbreak.
In response to the sample results and the ongoing outbreak investigation, Fresh Express voluntarily ceased production at the Streamwood, IL, facility and initiated a recall of certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois facility. The recall includes all Use-By Dates of fresh salad items with product codes Z324 through Z350. Product codes are located on the front of the packages below the Use-By Date, as shown above. No other Fresh Express products are subject to recall. A full list of recalled products is available on FDA’s website.
FDA and CDC are currently investigating two separate Listeria outbreaks linked to packaged salad. This outbreak is linked to packaged salads produced by Fresh Express. The other outbreak is linked to packaged salads produced by Dole. These investigations are ongoing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Who to Contact
Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.
To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can
- Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
- Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
- Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.