FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 19, 2024
CONTACT: Chris Boyle, Director of Communications
(860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov
HARTFORD, Conn— The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) that Bright Farms has issued a voluntary recall of spinach grown by its supplier Element Farms in their Pompton Plains, NJ farm and distributed under the Bright Farms brand.
The spinach has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Bright Farms is also issuing a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of four salad kit products from its Selinsgrove, PA facility. The company has temporarily suspended distribution of Element Farms grown spinach.
The recalled products have been distributed to several states, including Connecticut. A distribution list has not been released at this time. Retailers have been instructed to remove all recalled products from store shelves.
The products come in various sized plastic containers. Further details, including pictures of the various recalled packages and products, can be found here: Brightfarms Recalls Spinach and Salad Kits Because of Possible Health Risk as a Result of Supplier Element Farms Recall | FDA.
“Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled products. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women. People who develop symptoms of listeriosis after eating the recalled products should seek medical care and tell their provider about eating that product.”
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Connecticut Department of Public Health
Spinach recall
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“The Department of Consumer Protection’s Food and Standards Division is working hard to ensure the product is removed from all grocery shelves in Connecticut,” added DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “If you have Bright Farms spinach in your refrigerator, be sure to check the recall information provided by the FDA to determine if the product you have is included in the recall. If you’ve consumed the spinach, be aware of possible symptoms of listeria and seek medical attention immediately if necessary.”
Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8 am - 6 pm EDT or email info@brightfarms.com with the subject line: Recall. (please see product photos below)
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