October 9, 2006
Foxy® Lettuce Recalled
E. Coli Bacteria Found in Irrigation Water
On Sunday, October 8, the Nunes Company, Inc. of Salinas, California initiated a voluntary recall for green leaf lettuce designated by the code 6SL0024 and sold October 3, 2006 through October 6, 2006 under the Foxy® brand and retailers should remove it from sale.
Consumers are urged to return the product to the place of purchase and any questions pertaining to the recall should be directed to the Nunes Company at 1-800-695-5012. Retailers are also recommended to contact their produce distributors.
The items recalled by The Nunes Company, Inc. are:
- Green Leaf 24 Count, waxed carton
- Green Leaf 18 Count, cellophane sleeve, returnable carton
The above products may be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). Pathogenic E. coli bacteria may cause a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
This recall does not involve iceberg or romaine lettuces.
The above products were distributed in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana and sold to retail stores and distributors who may have further sold it to restaurants. The product can be identified as Foxy® green leaf lettuce sold under lot code 6SL0024, and purchased on or after October 3, 2006 through October 6, 2006.
No illnesses have been reported to date. FDA is currently investigating the situation. N.G.A. continues to remain in contact with FDA on this and other important food recall issues.
The recall was initiated when it was discovered that water used to irrigate the product may have been contaminated with E. coli. Subsequent investigation indicated that the problems were caused by temporary use of a secondary water source, initially testing positive for E. coli.
In the wake of the recent spinach outbreak there may be heightened consumer and media attention to this recall. As always, N.G.A. is prepared to assist you in any way to ensure the appropriate message and your commitment to food safety is consistently communicated. Please contact Christine Cunnick, Director of Communications at (703) 516-0700 or ccunnick@nationalgrocers.org for additional information.
