BrightFarms Spinach and Salad Kits Recalled for Listeria Risk
The greens were sold in seven states
BrightFarms is recalling packaged greens and salad kits that contain spinach after a routine test by its supplier, Element Farms in Pompton Plains, N.J., found listeria in one lot of spinach. No illnesses have been reported.
The recalled greens were sold at Giant Company, Giant Food, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and Wegmans stores, a BrightFarms spokesperson told CR, in seven states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Listeria can cause serious infections in very young children, older people, and those who are pregnant or who have a compromised immune system.
BrightFarms spinach is grown hydroponically in greenhouses. “Many consumers might assume that makes them 100 percent safe and sterile, but they are not,” says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety testing and acting director of product testing at CR. “Because they are grown indoors, they are less likely to be contaminated with bacteria that can make you sick, but their safety depends on the source of the water used to grow them and whether proper safety practices are followed by the people who handle the greens.” In fact, there have been outbreaks of foodborne illness linked to hydroponic greens, including a salmonella outbreak involving BrightFarms greens in 2021.
It’s not clear how listeria got into the spinach and salad kits in this case, and Element Farms is conducting an investigation. But, in general, growing facilities can be invaded by pests and wild animals, or irrigation water can sometimes be contaminated with bacteria, Rogers says. “Even the workers can sometimes bring bacteria into the grow facility on their shoes and clothing, and contaminate the plants as they handle them.”
Risk of Listeria
For most people, listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria, is unpleasant, but will likely resolve on its own. The symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can start as soon as just a few hours after consuming contaminated food or up to two weeks later.
But for 1 in 20 people, the infection can become more serious, and turn into an invasive illness with flulike symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and a stiff neck, according to the CDC. Other symptoms can include confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. The CDC estimates that 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die.
If You Bought the Recalled BrightFarms Greens
If you purchased any of the recalled products, throw them away, and take proof of purchase to the store for a full refund, the BrightFarms spokesperson told CR.
Then be sure to clean your refrigerator and any surface the package came into contact with, using hot water and soap, then rinse, Rogers says. “Unlike other types of bacteria, listeria can multiply in cold temperatures, and easily spread to other foods,” he says.
Consumers with questions can contact BrightFarms at 866-857-8745 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or on the company’s contact page.
